EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel has criticised ministers for their unwillingness to deliver a food aid package to aid African farmers.

 

The European Commission proposed an aid package in July to channel unused funds from the EU agriculture budget to the purchase of seed and fertiliser for developing countries. The aim was to help these countries deal with rising food prices.

 

Although the aid was agreed in principal, it now looks to be on the rocks as some member states felt the timing was wrong, given the financial turmoil. ‘Budgetary reasons’ are being cited for withholding approvals.

 

As a result, many EU countries are reluctant to approve the aid package, citing irregular "budgetary reasons".

 

Commissioner Michel said: "All international organisations [...] and the people who need this billion [euro] to save their 2009 and 2010 harvests are waiting for this tiny gesture.”

 

 

 

 

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