€1 BILLION TO TACKLE FOOD CRISIS
October 8, 2008 12:00 AM
The Development Committee of the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favour of a €1 billion fund to support people in developing countries suffering from soaring food prices.
In a move to show support to Member States, who have backed the European Commission's initiative, the European Parliament called for speedy adoption of the fund, which would offer immediate aid to those affected by the cost of living.
In addition to providing humanitarian assistance in the form of locally-sourced food targeted on vulnerable groups, the fund will provide seeds and fertilisers to ensure a greater capacity harvest next year.
Commenting on the vote in the Committee, Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Development and ALDE Shadow on the report, said: "European consumers have felt the effects of rising food prices, but the rocketing price of rice, corn and wheat has sent thousands in developing countries over the edge. The situation has become so dire that in parts of Haiti for example, mud cakes - little more than clay and water - have become the staple diet.
"This Food Facility will provide additional money to help populations in the most severely affected developing countries in the immediate crisis. It will also help plug the gap between urgent food aid and essential longer term strategies to build up small-holder farmers' businesses and local food markets.
"The current financial crisis, coupled with high prices for staple foods, threatens to reverse progress made towards the Millennium Development Goals. This proposal is a timely reminder of the urgent challenges still to be addressed to reduce extreme poverty. National governments must not slip back on their commitments."
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