Rice farmers protest against lifting of trade barriers

Yeo Joo,Kyeong Gi province - December 6, 2005 1. Pan over farmland 2. Various farmland and farmer looking at his land 3. Close up farmer 4. Various farmland 5. SOUNDBITE (Korean), Kim Joo-heon, South Korean farmer "Although 10 years is a long period of time, government did not establish any polices to protect Korean farmers, but thought that Korea needs to sacrifice her own farmers and farms. It's a very heartbreaking situation." Seoul - December 4, 2005 6. Various protestors demonstrating against lift of trade barriers 7. Police acting against protestors with water beam Seoul - November 23, 2005 8. Various discussion in South Korean parliament 9. SOUNDBITE (Korean), Kim Won-ki, A Speaker of the National Assembly "I proclaim that rice ratification bill which is in accordance with Marrakesh protocol 1994 under general agreement of tariff and trade is now passed." AP FILE - Location unknown - Summer 2000 10. Various rice processing plant 11. Various rice being planted in rice fields Seoul - December 7, 2005 12. Various rice in supermarket Yeo Joo,Kyeong Gi province - December 6, 2005 13. SOUNDBITE (Korean), Kim Joo-heon, South Korean farmer "I used to love my farming fields so started farming. But now I dare to say that I feel regret for my decision to farm because I have experienced too many difficulties for last 10 years. " 14. Various agricultural tools and tractor 15. Wide shot old farmer going through village STORYLINE: Several thousand South Korean farmers demonstrated in Seoul on Tuesday against World Trade Organisation talks they say threaten their livelihood. Much of the criticism in stalled WTO talks over agricultural trade has been levelled at the EU for its refusal to cut further government subsidies and import tariffs on farm goods, threatening progress at the WTO's meeting in Hong Kong next week. But South Korea and neighbouring Japan are nearly as stubborn in their desire to protect home grown rice - a key staple that holds a nearly sacred place in both cultures. Amid international pressure, both countries have in recent years cracked open their markets to foreign rice despite opposition from farmers and even consumers, although hefty barriers still remain. Meanwhile, in Malaysia on Wednesday, diplomats were in last-minute negotiations in advance of the scheduled signing next Tuesday of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Framework agreement by South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and his ASEAN counterparts. A chief negotiator for South Korea, where rice farmers are a vocal and often-militant lobbying group, said the differences were expected to be resolved before Roh arrives on Friday. Roh will attend ASEAN's annual summit on Monday as well as the inaugural East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur two days later. Japan and Korea still find it necessary, even desirable, to shelter farmers for reasons including cultural tradition, dietary preference, food safety and security and even environmental protection. The cost, in the form of higher rice prices, is one their citizens seem willing to pay. Major rice exporters such as the United States and Australia in the developed world and Thailand and Vietnam among developing nations say they can provide rice far cheaper than small-plot farmers in crowded Japan and South Korea. South Korea's National Assembly, or parliament, last month passed legislation allowing increased imports following negotiations with the United States, China, Thailand and six other rice producers. Under the deal, the country, which is increasing subsidies to rice farmers, must gradually double its current 4 percent limit on rice imports by 2014, and eventually fully open the market, though tariffs would still be allowed. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/e42c7108302b2baf430ae7ac6347c10f Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork