MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government's aid program is
purchasing 120,000 tonnes of wheat and 24,000 tonnes of rice - all sourced from
Australian growers - to help combat food crises in Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
China, Indonesia, Southern Africa and Sri Lanka.
The grain, which is an important element of Australia's aid program, is being
purchased over the current financial year. Last financial year Australia spent
more than $90 million on food aid.
Most of our food aid is sourced from Australia and is provided for
humanitarian operations, with a particular focus on our region.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which is a key strategic
partner in addressing humanitarian emergencies, is the principal channel for
delivering Australian development food aid.
Australia is supporting the WFP's emergency operations in Afghanistan with a
$7 million contribution to supply Australian wheat.
The government is contributing $5 million to WFP emergency operations in
southern Africa where famine has put some 13 million people at risk.
This month, shipments of our wheat are scheduled to reach destinations in
China, and Bangladesh for a total cost of $34 million.
Australia is also supplying rice for long-term relief operations in Indonesia
($6.5 million) and Sri Lanka ($4.7 million).
These contributions to WFP operations cover purchase of Australian
commodities and associated transport and distribution costs. All Australian food
commodities supplied through the WFP, with the exception of bulk wheat, are
bagged and identified as 'Gift of Australia.'
While the support of donors like Australia is critical to avert food crises
in the short term, improved governance and public administration in a number of
affected countries is essential if longer-term food security is to be achieved.
This is a major issue for international donor dialogue with governments of the
region.
Media Contact:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489