Proposed by Liberal Party, Canada
Whereas Canada has undertaken significant changes to its food aid policy so as to allow for 50 percent of food aid (previously 10%) funded by the federal government to be purchased from developing countries.
Whereas these new regulations allow for the ability to respond more quickly to disasters world-wide, buying more food and feeding a greater number of people in need.
Whereas these reforms serve to lower transportation costs, provide for more culturally appropriate food, and allow aid dollars to go further while supporting local farmers in developing countries.
Whereas untied food aid will be extended to a list of lower income countries in order to maximize the development effectiveness of this policy, while ensuring that users of trade distorting subsidies are not eligible as source countries.
Whereas reforming the procurement of food-aid is consistent with the focus on alleviating poverty and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Whereas Canada’s International Policy Statement 2005 resolves to focus aid on 25 development partners (mostly in Africa).
Be it resolved that Liberal International seeks similar commitments to reform food aid policies from participating members.
Be it resolved that Liberal International build a coalition of like minded governments committed to food aid reform targeting recipients of food aid in Africa.
Be it resolved that Liberal International promote the international community’s sense of obligation the MDGs, time-bound targets for reducing global poverty and hunger.
