Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has endorsed a joint statement on global food security with other world leaders gathered in the Italian town of L'Aquila for the G8 summit. The 'L'Aquila Food Security Initiative' reinforces Australia's commitment to comprehensive global action to address the underlying causes of global food insecurity.
Leaders agreed on the need for the food security agenda to focus on agriculture and rural development by promoting sustainable production, productivity and rural economic growth. It was recognised that substantial increases were needed in aid to agriculture and food security and commitment was given to a goal of mobilising US$20 billion over three years.
In May 2009, the Australian Government announced a commitment of $464 million over four years from 2009-10 to global food security. This includes support for research to help address agricultural productivity, support for rural livelihoods and support for the vulnerable to help them improve their resistance to shocks.
More information:
G8 statement on Global Food Security July 2009 [PDF 239kb]