Madam, - While I agree with Dr Alan Matthews's analysis of the EU sugar regime (Opinion, January 26th), the issues are far more complex than he suggests. Yes, the EU sugar regime must be reformed for many reasons, mainly due to pressures from the World Trade Organisation. However, those who argue that dismantling the EU sugar regime will automatically benefit the developing world should think again.
Concerned voices from Brazil, which stands to benefit greatly if the EU market is opened up to its sugar, warn of the dangers to the poor and landless there if the EU proceeds with its reforms. The main beneficiaries of the reforms will be a handful of Brazilian sugar barons; the losers will be the poor, the environment in Brazil and the EU sugar sector.
In addition, the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP),which enjoy preferential access to the higher-priced EU sugar market, do not want these reforms either, as they would see their returns from the EU market fall drastically. Their representative at a hearing here in the EU Parliament urged MEPs to take on board their worries about the reforms. There is little point in giving them unlimited access to a market if the price for sugar is rock bottom.
Lastly, I note Dr Matthews's comments that EU consumers are paying 45 cent a kilo more as a result of the current EU sugar regime. Perhaps it is a small price to pay for market stability. In any case, I doubt that if the sugar regime ended tomorrow, consumers would benefit to the full extent, while producers would fell the cold wind of global commodity trading. - Yours, etc.,
MAIRÉAD McGUINNESS, MEP,
European Parliament Offices,
Dublin 2.