Australia's contribution to the world food endeavors again gains great recognition not only from Asia Pacific region but also from other regions. According to a recent release by AusAID on the occasion of 'World Food Day' (16 October), since the 1960s up to present, Australia has provided funds to the World Food Programme and the total funding for food aid reached $75.5 million.

Australia has been significantly endeavoring with partner countries in the Asia Pacific region and Africa to alleviate hunger and create conditions that foster long-term food security. Not to mention, food security is closely linked to national and regional security. Lack of food and widespread hunger in a country can be an underlying cause of conflict. Food aid often means the difference between life and death for people facing hunger and starvation as a result of natural disaster or conflict.

Australia supports programmes that enable farmers to grow more food and wider varieties of produce to make them less vulnerable to natural disasters and fluctuating international markets. For example, in Viet Nam, AusAID, through agencies such as the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research, supports research aimed at increasing the productivity and market competitiveness of the country's agriculture and aquaculture sectors.

Australia is also committed to ensuring the preservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture around the world. The recent commitment of $ 16.5 million over 5 years to the 'Global Crop Diversity Trust' will help ensure that plant genetic material continues to circulate for research and development, ultimately increasing food security.

For further information, please visit AusAID website at www.ausaid.gov.au