The joint proposal was confirmed on Monday and is encouraging a “level playing field in farm subsidies” aimed at limiting market distortions while taking into account the needs of developing countries.

The move has been welcomed by European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan who believes it will give all farmers an opportunity to be competitive.

“The EU has substantially reformed its agricultural policy. This proposal should lead other WTO members to follow our example and so ensure a level playing field for all farmers in the local, regional and global markets,” he said.

The proposal suggests to level the playing field between WTO members by limiting trade-distorting farm subsidies in proportion to the size of each country’s agricultural sector.

Other nations have already expressed their support for the initiative and are co-sponsors of the EU-Brazil proposal, including Columbia, Peru and Uruguay.

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Brazil and EU joint proposals aimed at 'level playing field' for farmers

Brazil and the EU have submitted a joint proposal to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on supports for agricultural production and food security measures.