While the rich people ski . . .

Next month's US trade bill doesn't look like doing anything radical to cut US subsidies, unless the newly enfranchised Democrats unexpectedly get the bit between their teeth. According to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, subsidies will be a bit lower and  involve some  redistribution from large to small farms (60% of which don't receive any subsidies) and towards projects that are good for the environment such as energy conservation.
Meanwhile attempts to revive the Doha international talks to reduce subsidies are continuing and will now switch to the upcoming gathering of rich nations on the Davos ski slopes. Not an obvious place to help the world's poor, but strange things can happen.