19 November 2008 - On 21 November 2008, the European Parliament will discuss the budgetary aspects of a European Commission proposal to fund a Euro 1 billion Food Facility to assist farmers in developing countries. In a statement, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría affirmed OECD's support for the Commission proposal.
Mr Gurría’s statement is as follows: “The European Commission has proposed a new €1 billion Food Facility for developing countries to promote agricultural production by improving poor farmers' access to inputs such as fertilizer and seed. OECD very much welcomes and supports the Commission's initiative to create this new Food Facility.
“In the midst of a global food crisis, it is crucial to make sure that in many developing countries which are urgently in need of more food, farmers can successfully prepare for next year's harvest. Nobody wants a prolongation or repeat of the 2008 situation. The Food Facility would improve the chances that 2009 becomes a better year for world food security.
“OECD has contributed actively to explaining the factors behind the 2008 food crisis, and to promoting government action that can help to improve the situation. An EU Food Facility makes eminent sense. It should be established swiftly.”