31/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - Leaders from farmers' organisations from developed and developing countries, including COPA (Community of Agricultural Organisations in the EU) and COGECA (General Committee for Agricultural Co-operation in the EU) drafted a common declaration on Wednesday in Geneva. They are calling on the WTO to adopt "fair and equitable rules" on agricultural trade. The declaration spells out that, "agriculture cannot be treated in the same way as industrial sectors. It fulfils a multitude of functions, in both developed and developing countries". The declaration also points to agriculture creating jobs in rural communities, how it improves food safety, conserves soil, manages water, protects cultural heritage, strengthens the economic viability of rural areas, helps prevent risks of natural disasters and protects rural landscapes. The organisations explained that agriculture, in particular, contributed to the maintenance of social and political stability and growth in developing countries. They are also calling on the WTO to grant these countries differential treatment that takes into account their difficulties.