MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
As part of Australia's $100 million commitment to humanitarian and
reconstruction activities in Iraq, I am pleased to announce that $40 million
will be allocated to revitalise the agricultural sector.
Revitalising the sector and improving food security are critical to Iraq's
long-term economic recovery. Years of economic mismanagement and neglect have
left Iraq's agricultural system in disrepair. About 60 per cent of the
population remains dependant on food handouts and a quarter of Iraq's labour
force is employed in the agriculture sector.
A centrally planned economic system has led to significant market distortions
and inefficiencies. It will be important for Iraq to make the transition to an
open, market based economy so it can fully reap the benefits of the global
marketplace.
While our support for long-term reform and revitalisation of the sector is
critical, it is equally important that we address some of the immediate needs.
Up to 1.5 million tonnes of wheat and barley awaits harvest in Iraq, seeds will
need to be sown for the summer crop and Iraqi agricultural officials will need
to be brought back to work.
Australia will immediately provide a package of up to $5 million to
jump-start the agriculture sector, including:
- Up to $4 million for quick impact activities to assist with the upcoming
harvest and planting seasons. This will include the purchase of grain
weighing, testing and certifying equipment, support for seed multiplication
programs to provide sufficient seed stocks for summer planting, and provision
of other critical agricultural assistance to ensure harvests are maximised - $1 million for urgent repairs to the Ministry of Agriculture to repair
damage from recent looting and to replace critical equipment allowing
employees to return to work and begin the important task of rebuilding the
sector.
Australia's agricultural advisory team, led by Trevor Flugge, is now on the
ground in Iraq and is working closely with Iraqi authorities and US and UN
agencies to coordinate international efforts in the sector and to ensure
assistance is targeted at areas of greatest need.
Mr Downer is in Baghdad today as part of his visit to the Middle East.
Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890 (nb - no
voicemail service available - text messages only)
Dominic Morice (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 or 0417 683 126