Canada will now purchase 50% of food aid from developing countries.

OTTAWA -- The Canadian Government is changing its food aid policy. Up to 50% of Canada's food aid can now be purchased in developing countries, according to Minister of International Cooperation Aileen Carroll, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Andy Mitchell, and Minister of International Trade Jim Peterson. "The move is expected to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of our assistance to hungry people world-wide, the Canadian Government is changing its food aid policy."

Canada and other food exporting countries have used overseas aid as a way to support their own agri-food industries. The practice often has a deleterious effect in developing countries, overpowering local producers or discouraging expanded agricultural development. In response to the Tsunami disaster last year, the United States shipped American produced rice into an area that produces more than enough rice for regional needs.

Sometimes, the foods shipped are unsuitable because of food preparation conditions, cultural as well as physical, of the receiving countries. In the past Canada has shipped wheat and dairy products to countries where the population was unfamiliar with these products.

Until now, Canada's food aid purchases in developing countries were limited by a 10 % ceiling. "This new policy gives us the ability to respond more quickly and with greater flexibility to disasters world-wide, buying more food and feeding a greater number of people in need," said Minister Carroll. "It will help lower transportation costs, provide more culturally appropriate food, and allow Canada's aid dollars to go further while supporting local farmers in developing countries."

Canada and other food exporting countries have used overseas aid as a way to support their own agri-food industries. The practice often has a deleterious effect markets in developing countries, overpowering local producers or discouraging expanded agricultural development. In response to Tsunami disaster last year, the United States shipped American produced rice into an area that produces more than enough rice for regional needs.

The new policy will have minimal impacts on Canadian farmers Canadian domestic food aid purchases account, for only approximately 0.3 % of total Canadian agri-food production.

819-953-6238