Demonstrators staged an event showing “Obama” cutting cotton subsidies. They also delivered a letter asking Foreign Secretary, William Hague, to raise the issue with the President.
It marks the start of Traidcraft’s campaign to end the US subsidies which are crippling the livelihoods of farmers in developing countries.
In the past nine years alone the US government has given its farmers over $24 billion in subsidies, which has been shared between just 3,500 farmers.
These payments lower the price of cotton on the world market and make it almost impossible for farmers from developing countries to compete with their rich American counterparts.
Traidcraft spokesperson, Jayde Bradley says; "I am delighted by the support we have received today. I hope President Obama listens to the voice of the people and acts immediately to end these illegal subsidies. These payments continue to devastate the lives of African farmers who can produce cotton more efficiently and more cheaply than US cotton farmers.
However, due to US cotton subsidies, they are unable to get a fair price for their crops. Removing US subsidies could increase the price they get by 12 percent."
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For more information contact: Di Harper on 07932 135 780 or Jayde Bradley on 07732 729 985 or by email at dianneh@traidcraft.co.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
What is the problem with US Subsidies?
• The majority of the payments have been ruled illegal by the World Trade Organisation.
• Poor countries have lost a total of $250 million each year through the price dampening effect of US and EU subsidies.
• According to the US-based Environmental Working Group, from 1995 to 2009, the top 10 percent of cotton subsidy recipients were paid 81 percent of cotton subsidies.
