Media contact: Courtney Hoogen (Mr Smith’s Office) 0488 244 901
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590 www.ausaid.gov.au
MEDIA RELEASE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
THE HON STEPHEN SMITH, MP
AA 08 34
1 May 2008
$30 MILLION FOR THE EMERGENCY APPEAL BY THE WORLD FOOD
PROGRAMME
The Australian Government will provide $30 million in emergency assistance to countries affected by
steep rises in the prices of essential food supplies. The $30 million contribution is in response to the
emergency appeal of the World Food Programme.
The World Food Programme recently appealed for extra funding to address critical gaps in its food
aid operations as a result of rising food and fuel prices.
Australia is a strong supporter of the World Food Programme, having provided over $1 billion for its
operations since 1963. The Australian Government is pleased to be able to respond to the appeal.
The Government will also lift Australia’s engagement in international efforts to address the root
causes of food insecurity in developing countries, through increased development assistance,
constructive participation in multilateral processes and continued advocacy for international trade
policy reform.
In line with the establishment of a Task Force on the Global Food Crisis by United Nations
Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, the Australian Government has tasked relevant agencies to work
together in developing a comprehensive action plan for long-term food security measures, drawing
on Australia’s expertise in agriculture, including semi-arid agriculture and adaptation.
There is a need to enhance Australia’s development assistance programs in agricultural productivity
and market development.
As well, the Australian Government strongly supports the call by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-
Moon to advance the Doha Round. Dismantling of barriers to trade in agricultural products is part of
the required long term policy response.
This funding will be met from within the Government's overall aid budget.
NEWS 
