The federal government has committed a quarter of a billion dollars to support small-scale farmers in the developing world.
Canada is one of the first countries to join a World Bank initiative that international leaders last year pledged would be a $22 billion agricultural development plan for the developing world.
So far, four countries have pledged $880 million.
Finance minister Jim Flaherty announced the Canadian commitment of $230 million for a green revolution fund during an April 22 visit to Washington, D.C.
In the House of Commons the same day, international co-operation minister Bev Oda said it was part of Canada’s international aid commitment.
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“Canada is a strong leader in food aid and food security, (and) Canada made a commitment that would double its support for developing countries, particularly small-hold farmers and women in developing countries,” she said.
“This shows that this government is fulfilling its international commitments.”
Flaherty said the commitment is part of a three-year $600 million promise to world agricultural development. Canada is the third largest contributor to the World Food Programme, he added.
Canada joined the United States, Spain and South Korea as the first donors to the Global Food Security Trust Fund launched by American billionaire Bill Gates.
The goal is to provide farmers in the developing world, particularly Africa, with funds and resources to increase their production and reduce rural poverty and urban hunger.
In the Commons, Conservative MP Rodney Weston from New Brunswick lauded the government commitment. He said it will be a major boost to health work in the impoverished developing world.
“Hunger and malnutrition result in more deaths than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis,” he said, noting Canada’s promise at a world leaders’ conference in 2009 to double support for developing world agriculture.
Oda said Canada is fulfilling that promise.
