The EU’s sugar reform has been “effective with limited costs” and laid down a transitional path towards a “more market-oriented sector”, a European Commission-backed report has concluded. The study examined the effects of the 2006 overhaul – which saw the EU substantially reduce subsidised exports to comply with a WTO ruling and reduce production and quotas – on the sugar supply chain. The reform has been “efficient overall” and has virtually “eliminated” the costs of market measures, meaning consumers no longer bear the brunt of high prices. The shake-up has led to improved competitiveness by increasing campaign length, labour productivity,… Login to continue

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