TELEPHONE: 852721 AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY FACSIMILE 85272300 VIA ALESSANDRIA, 215 wits australian embassy. 00188 ROME 20 February 2002 Mr Gebre-Michael CFS Secretariat FAO Dear Mr Gebre-Michael As previously discussed, I am pleased to enclose the Australian Government's Country Report on Progress in Implementing The World Food Summit Plan of Action - ‘Development Centred’ Objectives, The report addresses progress against Committments 3, 4, 6 and related parts of 7. We regret the delay in submitting this report and would hope that the Australian Government's comments on implementation of the WES PoA will still be able to be incorporated into the Secretariat's synthesis report ahead of the next CES. Should you have any queries regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards bhi Brett Hughes Counsellor (Agriculture) Australian EmbassyISHERIES & Ww AUSTRALIA, ET FORESTRY SEE AUSTRALIA REPORT BY AUSTRALIA ON PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE WORLD FOOD SUMMIT PLAN OF ACTION “DEVELOPMENT-CENTRED” OBJECTIVES JANUARY 2002REPORT BY AUSTRALIA ON PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE WORLD FOOD SUMMIT PLAN OF ACTION (COMMITMENTS THREE, FOUR, SIX AND RELATED SECTIONS OF SEVEN) CONTENTS Section. Background Information Section Il. Priority Problems and Related WFS Plan of Action Objectives Section III. Implementation Report Section IV. Lessons Learned Section V. External Assistance ProgrammesSECTION L BACKGROUND INFORMATION Name of the country: Australia ‘Name of the reporting institution or unit: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Australia (AFFA). Contact person: a) Name and Official Title: Mr Ken Gordon International Policy Analyst b) Telephone: + 61 2 6272 4095 E-mail ken.gordon@affa.gov.au Fax: + 612.6272 4600 Institutional arrangements established for the follow-up of the WFS Plan of Action (ifany): Follow-up of the WES Plan of Action is being implemented within pre-existing institutional arrangements coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Australia, Total population in 1996 and 2000 1996: 18.3 million 2000: 19.3 million Estimated number of the undernourished or food insecure in the country: Number in 1996 (or latest available information prior to 1996): Not Applicable to Australia ‘Number in 2000 (or latest available information since 1996). Not Applicable to Australia ‘The estimate is based on: Not ApplicableSECTION Il. PRIORITY PROBLEMS AND RELATED OBJECTIVES Australia strongly supports the need to improve food security at the global and national levels and supports international measures that are able to make an effective contribution to the eradication of hunger and malnutrition in the world. The Australian Government has undertaken a range of initiatives since the 1996 World Food Summit (WFS) that directly support the key objectives of the WFS Plan of Action (PoA). As Australia does not suffer from food insecurity, and is indeed, a major net exporter of agri-food products, these initiatives largely have a regional and international focus including initiatives that fall under the rubric of overseas development assistances (Section V on External Assistance Programs focuses on Australia’s contribution to the international aspects of the WFS PoA. commitments) At the national level, Australia has no major food security issues to address in this report. Most government agri-food policy developments are aimed at refining established policy mechanisms to further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of Australia’s agri-food sector, ensuring long term sustainability of Australia’s natural resource base, and maintaining Australia’s status as a reliable source of safe food. Further, Australia’s social policies ensure that effective safety net mechanisms are in place to provide for the basic. needs of its citizens. In regards to Commitment Three of the WFS PoA, Australia believes that the issues of rural viability, the environment, and food security must be addressed through targeted, economic and social policies rather than just broad band support to agriculture. Emphasising the need to maximise the social, economic, environmental and cultural dimensions of agriculture diverts attention away from the real issue of reform, supporting a concept designed to justify the high levels of production and trade distorting subsidies in agriculture used by some major developed countries, which continue to have a detrimental affect on developing countries. Australia is committed to trade liberalisation, and therefore regards the implementation of Commitment Four of the WFS PoA vital to promoting global food security, given that the problem of inadequate food security stems principally from problems of distribution and access rather than from the ability to produce an adequate amount of food. Australia continues to promote the concept of food self-reliance and strongly argues that the issue of food security is inexorably linked to trade and that coupling agricultural support policies to agricultural production will distort world food trade and adversely effect food security. Providing for food security by relying on self-sufficiency through the provision of agricultural support and protection has adverse effects on efficient producers in other countries including many developing countries and limits the range of alternative sources of supply of food, and is therefore, counterproductive to providing food security, A liberalised global trade system will enable countries to exploit their comparative advantages and encourage economic growth in both developing and developed countries. Trade is a vital element in achieving economic growth and in contributing to food security. Accordingly, the Australian Government has contributed to world food security by pursuing the need for major reform of world agricultural trade policies, and has been especially active in discussions within the World Trade Organization amongst other fora, on the importance of taking into account developing countries needs within the reform process.SECTION Ill. IMPLEMENTATION COMMITMENT THREE We will pursue participatory and sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development policies and practices in high and low potential areas, which are essential to adequate and reliable food supplies at the household, national, regional, and global levels, and combat pests, drought and desertification, considering the multifunctional character of agriculture. Australia's approach to facilitating the development of sustainable agriculture is based on communities working together, in partnership with government and other institutions, to identify and address the key impediments to achieving sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. ‘The partnership approach, as found in the Australian Landcare model, defines the roles and responsibilities that government, industry and community groups have in agricultural production and natural resource management, and aims to address the underlying causes of unsustainable management practices, rather than its symptoms. This approach does not distort international agricultural prices and enables market signals to become drivers of sustainability. Australia believes that community participation in managing rural environments is a model which can be adapted and adopted by all countries to meet local social, economic, environmental and cultural conditions. Indeed, Australia is currently providing assistance to a partner country in Africa to develop a community based Landcare movement, tailored to local needs. ‘The issues of rural viability, the environment, and food security are issues that all governments need to address, and Australia believes these issues must be dealt with through appropriate targeted economic and social policies rather than just broad band support to agriculture, Any detailed consideration of the multifunctional character of agriculture, and any attempts to maximise the social, economic, environmental and cultural dimensions of agriculture will have a detrimental impact on developing countries, by diverting attention from the issue of reform, and continuing to support a concept designed to justify the high levels of production and trade distorting subsidies in agriculture used by some major developed countries. Objective 3.1: To pursue, through participatory means, sustainable, intensified and diversified food production, increasing productivity, efficiency, safety gains, pest control and reduced wastes and los taking fully into account the need to sustain natural resources. 1¢ Australian government recognises the fundamental importance of sustainable agricultural development and agricultural research and development in ensuring sustainable food security, Australia continues to pursue sustainable, intensified and diversified food production by increasing productivity, efficiency and safety, and as a result has developed considerable expertise in a wide range of agricultural production systems which can be applied to improve world food production. With respect to the need to sustain natural resources, Australia instituted the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) program in 1996, which has provided unprecedented support to sustainable agriculture. The NAT is a significant financial commitment aimed at improving the management and condition of the environmental and natural resource base on which the Australian population is dependent. Programs funded through the NAT are combining and integrating efforts of farmers and agricultural industries, indigenous Australians, community and environmental groups, and all spheres of government in developing skills and systems for best managing the Australian landscape. Recipients of NHT funding also make their own financial and in- kind contributions to improve the state of the environment and the natural resource base. Additionally, project proponents make significant contributions to the after care of the projects and their results and thereby underpin the overall achievements. As at December 2001, AS1.4 billion had been approved for Natural Heritage Trust activities. In the May 2001 Commonwealth budget, the NHT was extended for a further two years to 2006-7, with additional funding of ASI billion. The Trust extension will involve a fundamental shift towards more strategic 5investment, particularly through devolved finding at the regional level. Implementation of the NHT will deliver important resource condition outcomes including improved water quality, less soil erosion, improved estuarine health, improved vegetation management and improved soil condition Regarding agricultural production safety, the Australian community has access to information to facilitate their awareness of agricultural and veterinary chemicals management issues and is actively provided the opportunity to be involved in key chemicals management decisions. Action taken regarding agricultural and veterinary chemicals include: * Establishment of a national forum for discussions on key international chemicals ‘management issues. ‘* Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments develop policies and programs on domestic chemical management issues in consultation with all elements of the Australian community. ‘* Anational strategy for the management of agricultural and veterinary chemicals was released in 1998, The strategy promotes the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in a way which: minimizes the risks to health, the environment and trade; ensures the long-term. sustainability of agricultural productivity; and best contributes to national prosperity. This strategy was developed in consultation with the Australian community and defines the roles of all parties engaged in chemicals management. © All States and Territories have research, extension and education activities aimed at reducing the risks from agricultural and veterinary chemical use and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of such use, Most of these programs jointly involve State and Territory departments responsible for agriculture, primary industries and the environment, grower organizations, industry groups and educational institutions. ‘© Summaries of all chemicals evaluated, or reviewed under the Chemical Review Program, by the National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals are released for public comment prior to regulatory decisions being made. On pest control, in the past 2 years Australia has significantly achieved greater inclusion of all plant health. stakeholders in preparing for and responding to plant pests in particular exotic plant pests, with the formation of Plant Health Australia (PHA). PHA is a limited company with partners being the Commonwealth Government, State Governments and Industry. PHA is promoting better industry and government cooperation in the area of plant health with a mission to: ‘+ strategically manage effective, nationally coordinated and responsive plant health services ‘© support profitable and ecologically sustainable plant production and post harvest systems © facilitate domestic and international trade and enhance consumer confidence In cooperation with PHA and the Commonwealth Government, several national projects are underway and/or being developed. Improvements to the national diagnostic capacity for plant pests are being made through increased spending on developing capacity for specific exotic pests as well as identifying and developing strategies to improve capacity throughout specific plant health disciplines. The development of plant pest response planning has increased to allow for effective responses to plant pest outbreaks. Pest awareness and specific pest surveillance programs are expanding to increase the capacity to detect pest early and allow for a more effective response. These programs include the development of a coordinated national pest notification system as well a nationally coordinated individual pest awareness programs to better involve and utilise a wider range of plant health stakeholders in maintaining Australia's plant health status. In regards to fisheries management, Australia has endeavored to achieve Commitment Three of the WFS PoA by embodying ecologically sustainable development principles in national fisheries policy and legislation. Australia has also continued to support research and development work in the aquaculture industry to ensure reliable quality food supply both now and in the future, Action taken has included the strengthening of fisheries access rights as a market based incentive to efficient sustainable use and the development of an Aquaculture Action Agenda to promote competitive efficient aquaculture industries.A Commonwealth Policy on Fisheries Bycatch was released during 2000 requiring the development of measures aimed at reducing the amount of discarded resource, and protecting the ocean’ natural resource base, Action taken has included implementing Bycatch Action Plans (BAP) in major fisheries involving ‘measures to mitigate against bycatch, use of more selective fishing gears and encourage development of new markets for non target species so avoiding wastage. Australia has been actively engaged in regional fisheries management organisations and in encouraging the establishment of new arrangements in high seas areas. Australia has ratified the United Nations Fish Stock Agreement (UNFSA) in December 1999, with legislation active as of 13 December 2001 Australia has also been active in the development of sustainability criterion indicators for fisheries and the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) as part of Australia’s Ocean Policy (AOP). Objective 3.2: To combat environmental threats to food security, in particular, drought and desertification, pests, erosion of biological diversity, and degradation of land and aquatic-based natural resources, restore and rehabilitate the natural resource base, including water and watersheds, in depleted and overexploited areas to achieve greater production. Australia recognises that consideration of the environment is crucial for sustainable development, and that an integral part of sustainable development is the wise use, management and conservation of biological diversity. In this context, the Australian Government established the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) in 1996 to provide funds for projects aimed at managing, protecting and replenishing Australia’s natural environment, Programs managed under the NHT, include: the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, the National Landcare Program, Bushcare, the Murray Darling 2001 program, Farm Forestry and the Endangered Species Program (further details on NHT programs can be accessed at www. affa gov.au), Australia has introduced significant domestic policy reforms and programs which have reduced and changed the direction of government support to agriculture. These reforms aim to address priority natural resource ‘management issues in partnership with the community by directly addressing underlying causes of environmental degradation. ‘These reforms, which are based on the “community partnership” approach, have resulted in a more sustainable rural sector and have improved the skills that rural communities will need to remain viable, without distorting trade by subsidising agricultural production. ‘As part of the suite of measures available to them to combat pest threats, Australian agricultural producers have access to registered agricultural and veterinary chemicals to assist in the control of animal and plant pests and diseases and improve production. Australian Government action taken includes: © The National Registration Authority (NRA) for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals is responsible for assessing, registering and regulating agricultural and veterinary chemicals for specific uses, including control of pests. ‘The work of the NRA safeguards the health of people, animals and the environment and international trade. © The National Registration Authority also publishes lists of approved active constituents, registered agricultural and veterinary chemicals products and permits issued for trial, minor and emergency uses of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, * A large program of research and development is conducted by various national and State organizations in cooperation with national research organizations such as the Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and universities. Research activities include field evaluation of new products, efficacy trials to determine cost effective treatment and application rates, alternative pesticides, integrated pest management technology, identification and evaluation of biological control agents and development and evaluation of pest and disease resistance in host plants and animals,Regarding aquatic-based natural resources, Australia has created contingency plans to actively prevent and ‘manage marine pest control, whilst ensuring sustainability of the fisheries resources. Australia has also actively sought to promote rehabilitation and recovery of fisheries resources, whilst implementing sustainable fisheries management to achieve greater production, Action undertaken has included the creation of the National Taskforce for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions (NTPMMPI) and implementation of elements of the Code of Conduct for Responsible fisheries and engagement in Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMO) to promote mutual political, economic, defence and resource conservation and management. Regarding forestry management, Australia is part of the Montreal Process Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests and through this group monitors and reports on the multiple contributions of forests, trees and forestry. In 1998 the Australian Government announced through its aid program, a package of food security measures over a four-year period. This package, while including Australia’s food aid pledge, also reflected broader aid activities targeted at enhancing food security in recipient countries. Objective 3.3: To promote sound policies and programmes on transfer and use of technologies, skills development and training appropriate to the food security needs of developing countries and compatible with sustainable development, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas. There has been a significant increase in emphasis on achieving practical impact from Australia’s overseas agricultural aid projects through transfer of technologies. Practical training in the latest agricultural techniques is an element of all Australian overseas development projects. As outlined in Section V (which provides details of External Assistance Programs that address the objectives of the WFS Plan of Action) Australia strongly supports education and training to enhance economic and employment opportunities in the non-farm sector by providing the rural poor with marketable skills over and above their labour. Australia through its aid program provides technical, managerial and service skills training to build the capacity of support organisations that promote income generation in rural areas in partner countries. Training is also provided to enhance the contributions of agricultural research and development institutions, Australia’s overseas aid program also contributes towards education and training in agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors includes scholarships valued at A$1.4million that contribute to food security related activities. Australia has vigorously sought to participate in regional and global fisheries initiatives to share and provide skills, training and technology to developing countries, particularly in the South Pacific region, where Australia provides substantial assistance to the island countries in the region for fisheries conservation and development. ‘Over the last ten years, A$6S million has been invested in the Farm Forestry Program, which has provided regional delivery of extension activities, research and training courses to small-scale foresters. Objective 3.4: To take decisive action in cooperation between the public and the private sectors to strengthen and broaden research and scientific cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and forestry in supporting policy and international, regional, national and local action to increase productive potential and ‘maintain the natural resource base in agriculture, fisheries and forestry and in support of efforts to eradicate poverty and promote food security. Australia has an overarching policy of achieving Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) which is supported by a well established national system of institutions including the CSIRO (CommonwealthScientific and Industrial Research Organisation), Universities, and Commonwealth and State Government institutions that provide comprehensive research and education for agriculture, fisheries and forestry. Australia has developed a joint public and industry funded Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) model that address both industry and public concerns to create sustainable and profitable rural industries. RDCs cover cotton, dairy, fisheries, forest and wood products, grains, grape and wine, horticulture, meat, pork, sugar, tobacco and wool, Programs related to sustainable development include the National Land and Water Resources Audit, the National Dryland Salinity Program, Redesigning Agriculture for Australian Landscapes Program, the Climate Variability in Agriculture Program and the National Eutrophication Management Program, Retums from research have been estimated at greater than 7:1 and led to sustained growth in rural output at an average of 2.2% per annum in the decade to 1999. Impact Assessment Programs are a routine part of Australia’s domestic and overseas research efforts. The RDC use representative panels drawn from local producer groups to set research priorities and evaluate performance. Similar arrangements exist for overseas aid programs. The Impact Assessment Program has the responsibility to assist in the quantification and further development of a number of these indicators, including the economic rates of return, the extent of adoption of policies and technologies emanating from projects, responsible and defensible project selection processes and regular monitoring and assessment of project effectiveness and impact. Encouragement is given for Australian research to be published in the international scientific literature. In this way it is accessible in a quality assured form for use in other forums and further research. Within the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Bureau of Rural Sciences and the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics (ABARE) have been established with the task of providing integrated and policy relevant scientific and econo! information for development of evidence based policy. Specifically regarding fisheries, Australia is continuing to be involved in and support international agreements and organisations that promote the continual broadening of research that supports policy frameworks to maintain fisheries resources and ensure the security and quality of product. On forestry, Australia has undertaken significant investment in research over the last 5 years through both the Regional Forest Agreement process and Montreal Process criteria and indicator reporting for all forest areas, under the framework provided by the National Forest Policy Statement (1992) ‘The National Forest Inventory has a Reference Committee, which consists of representatives from private industry, government, community land managers and research institutes. This committee ensures cooperation between public and private sectors and also ensures individual sector needs are addressed. Objective 3.5: To formulate and implement integrated rural development strategies, in low and high potential areas, that promote rural employment, skill formation, infrastructure, institutions and services, in support of rural development and household food security and that reinforce the local productive capacity of farmers, fishers and foresters and others actively involved in the food sector, including members of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, women and indigenous people, and their representative organizations, and that ensure their effective participation. Australia recognises the importance of developing integrated rural strategies that will promote rural employment, skill formation, infrastructure, institutions and services. Indeed the Australian government in 1997 allocated significant resources to the progress and implementation ofa rural development policy package titled Agriculture - Advance Australia (AAA). The aim of the AAA package is to help the rural sector to be more competitive, sustainable and profitable by focusing on four key objectives: ‘+ help farmers profit from change; + give farmers access to an effective welfare safety net;+ provide incentives for ongoing farm adjustment; and + encourage social and economic development in rural areas. ‘To improve the self-reliance of farmers and their ability to manage change the Commonwealth Government of Australia has established the FarmBis Improvement Program (FarmBis) as a component of its broader ‘AAA package. The program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth, State and Northern Territory Governments and aims to promote the business and natural resource management skills of farmers by assisting them to participate in training and education activities. ‘The first FarmBis program ran for three financial years from 1998-99 to 2000-01. In recognition of the success of the first program, the Commonwealth, State and Northern Territory Governments agreed to a new FarmBis program for a further three years from 2001-02 to 2003-04. ‘The new program has been expanded to include the wild catch fishing industry and a new category of land managers who have management responsibility for rural land and whose activities impact on the natural environment. It also has a particular focus on improving access to training for women, youth and indigenous groups. To foster the participation of women and young people, Australia has developed a domestic approach that fits within the FAO’s Gender and Development Plan of Action framework. The model, refined over time, covers three broad phases: ‘© Support for the establishment of networks and strong, representative non-government organisations ‘Achieved largely by provision of operational funding for the national women’s non-government organisations to ensure they remain representative, An important phenomena in Australia has been the enormous uptake of electronic networking between individual women, and the interconnection between the different networks. © Formation of the Rural Women’s Advisory Group — a forum chaired by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (AFFA) Secretary, and where presidents of the nationally focussed non-government organisations and other leading women in rural industries meet for a formal exchange of information twice per year. At each meeting, the Group is briefed on government policy directions and, in turn, provides feedback to AFFA on the impact of policy directions on women and their industries and communities, '* Government/non-government organisation partnership models are being employed to ensure women are consulted in advance of policy formation. For example, through such a partnership arrangement, women from all levels of production and natural resource management took part in discussion groups throughout the country on the new national policy direction for natural resource management. Specifically regarding fisheries, significant progress has been made towards creating and implementing strategies and programs to support and develop rural employment in Australian fisheries and Aquaculture industries. Minority groups have also been recognised from reports such as the 2000 report into Fishing for Women: Understanding Women’s Roles in the Fishing Industry. Regarding forestry, the Commonwealth Government, in partnership with the forest and wood products industry, has developed the Forest and Wood Products Action Agenda, which is a strategy to increase investment, expand market access, increase research and development, improve competitiveness and promote an efficient business environment and the sustainable use of forest resources, ‘The Action Agenda is being progressed by an industry council chaired by the Commonwealth Forestry Minister. 10COMMITMENT FOUR ‘We will strive to ensure that food, agricultural trade and overall trade policies are conducive to fostering food security for all through a fair and market-orientated world trade system. Objective 4.1: To meet the challenges of and utilize the opportunities arising from the international trade framework established in recent global and regional trade negotiations. The Australian Government is committed to agricultural trade liberalisation as a means of improving, market access, increasing world prices, delivering wide-reaching gains for all nations, a. Australia believes that maintaining strong support for the multilateral trade system and continuing to press for improved trade reforms through the World Trade Organisation (WTO) agriculture negotiations is vital to continuing the reform process. Agricultural and rural development is a vital component to sustainable development and poverty reduction in most developing countries. One of the most effective ways of raising and spreading incomes, particularly in countries with large rural populations, is to enhance agriculture development, production and export performance through sound policies and institutional arrangements, ‘Many developing countries do not have the necessary capacity to manage agricultural health and quarantine to maximise agricultural productivity of to provide the quality of science needed to comply with the required international standards to participate in international trade. This disadvantages many developing countries, especially the lesser developed countries, from participating fully in international trade in agricultural commodities and is a major constraint to their agricultural development efforts. Australia provides technical assistance and scientific training to many developing countries to help strengthen their institutional capabilities aimed at enhancing their capacity to effectively manage agricultural pests and diseases in order to boost agricultural productivity, alleviate rural poverty and food security concerns leading to sustainable rural development. It is also aimed at promoting scientific risk-based decision-making to help strengthen developing countries capacity to meet the international conformance standards required to participate in trade in agricuttural products and to harmonise their health and quarantine systems and methodologies in accordance with those international standards, Australia’ assistance is provided either as part of aid-funded activity or through specific requests from developing countries, and is outlined in Section V of this report (External Assistance Programs). ‘Australia has also been undertaken significant domestic reforms in recent years to ensure that its agricultural industries are more self-reliant and take a fully commercial and competitive approach to take advantage of international trading opportunities. As a result the Australian dairy, wheat and meat industries have all undergone significant restructuring and deregulation, In addition, the WTO system has provided opportunities for many small and medium sized countries such as Australia to challenge trade measures which have been distorting agricultural trade flows. Australia recently challenged Korea on its restrictive beef import arrangements and the US on safeguard measures placed on lamb imports. In both cases the WTO ruled in Australia’s favour and the measures were removed. Australia continues to be a driving force in the Cairns Group, which currently represents 17 agricultural exporting countries committed to achieving a market-oriented agricultural trading system. The Cairns Group undertakes policy analysis and research to facilitate the development of negotiating positions and priorities by the Group. Collaboration with its developing country members and the development of trade related linkages are part of the Cairns Group agenda. In the face of stiff resistance from protectionist countries, the Cairns Group continues to push for real reforms in agricultural trade. The Cairns Group has provided member countries with a seat at the table in agricultural negotiations alongside other influential countries such as the BU, US and Japan. u‘The Australian Government consults formally and informally with industry groups and the private sector to identify Australia’s international agricultural trade interests and to develop a coherent government/industry strategy, especially for the WTO multilateral trade negotiations. Objective 4.2: To meet essential food import needs in all countries, considering world price and supply fluctuations and taking especially into account food consumption levels of vulnerable groups in developing countries. Australia has strongly supported the need to improve global food security and supports outcomes that make an effective contribution to the eradication of hunger and malnutrition in the world, Asa general principle, we believe that countries can most effectively pursue their food security objectives through embracing open trading policies and liberal domestic policies rather than by narrow, costly and protectionist, self-sufficiency policies. ‘Trade liberalisation, is an essential factor in the development and enhanced food security needs of developing countries. ‘The greatest gains will be achieved where both developed and developing countries pursue trade liberalisation policies. In essence, trade liberalisation can contribute to food security, through reductions in trade distorting domestic support and protection, which improve resource allocation, increase the number of potential suppliers, expand market access opportunities and improve stability of price and supply on world markets, At the same time more liberal policies enable countries to increase trade and thus obtain the higher incomes that arise from specialisation in areas in which they have a comparative advantage. Trade liberalisation can therefore also contribute to food security indirectly by helping to raise domestic income levels. While trade liberalisation is essential, itis not the only ingredient to the development needs of developing countries and enhanced food security. Australia supports policies which encourage sustainable domestic production, significantly reduce poverty and improve food distribution within developing countries, We believe these policies will do much more to improve food security than the continuation of artificially supported production in developed countries. Furthermore, Australia supports the provision of food aid to countries in need, in fully grant form and ‘in ways that do not disrupt or displace domestic production. Australia annually donates a minimum of 250,000 of wheat equivalent tonnes under the Food Aid Convention, Australia also supports technical and capacity building activities to help developing countries increase food production and improve food security. In addition, as the leading member of the Cairns Group of agricultural exporting countries, Australia supports the needs of developing countries in addressing food security concerns, as raised in the WTO. We recognise that the transition to more competitive market-based agriculture through greater integration with the global economy may pose special challenges for developing countries. The Caimns Group is therefore committed to ensuring that special and differential treatment on market access, domestic support and export competition, remains an integral part of the WTO agriculture negotiations and serves to facilitate developing countries’ full engagement within the global economy. Objective 4.3: To support the continuation of the reform process in conformity with the Uruguay Round Agreement, particularly Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture. Australia has strongly supported the continuation of the reform process as mandated in Article 20 of the WTO Agriculture Agreement, as an active member of the WTO and the Cairns Group of agricultural exporting countries committed to achieving a market-oriented agricultural trading system, Partly through the Cains Group efforts, agriculture was brought more fully into the international trading system in the Uruguay Round and the group (comprised of a majority of developing count continues to be a major influence in the WTO. ) 12Australia has actively participated in the agriculture negotiations and has honoured its WTO commitments under the Agriculture Agreement in the areas of market access, export competition and domestic support B(COMMITMENT SIX ‘We will promote optimal allocation and use of public and private investments to foster human resources, sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries and forestry systems, and rural development, in high and low potential areas. Objective 6.1: To create the policy framework and conditions so that optimal public and private investments are encouraged in equitable and sustainable development of the food systems, rural development and human resources on the scale needed 10 contribute to food security. Objective 6.2: To endeavour to mobilize, and optimize the use of, technical and financial resources from all sources, including debt relief, in order to raise investment in activities related to sustainable agriculture, ‘fisheries, forestry and food production in developing countries to the levels needed to contribute to food security, Australia supports, where appropriate, the effective and efficient use of public and private investments to foster human resources, sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries and forestry systems and rural development. 4COMMITMENT SEVEN We will implement, monitor, and follow-up this Plan of Action at all levels in cooperation with the international community. Objective 7.1: To adopt actions within each country’s national framework to enhance food security and enable the implementation of the commitments of the World Food Summit Plan of Action. Objective 7.2: To improve sub-regional, regional, and international cooperation and to mobilize, and optimize the use of, available resources to support national efforts for the earliest possible achievement of sustainable world food security. Objective 7.3: To monitor actively the implementation of the World Food Summit Plan of Action. Objective 7.4: To clarify the content of the right to adequate food and the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger, as stated in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other relevant international and regional instruments, and to give particular attention to implementation and full and progressive realization of this right as a means of achieving food security for all. Objective 7.5: To share responsibilities in achieving food security for all so that implementation of the World Food Summit Plan of Action takes place at the lowest possible level at which its purpose could be best achieved. ‘The Australian government will continue to pursue ways in which it can enhance global food security and enable the implementation of the commitments of the World Food Summit Plan of Action. Australia has contributed to implementation of the Plan of Action through: ‘contributing to global food supply through significant agricultural and food exports, which are substantial as a proportion of world agricultural trade, © providing major contributions of food aid to meet global food security needs under our aid program © assisting developing countries to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living through sustainable development initiatives under our aid program © continuing to work towards promoting the removal of impediments to international agricultural and food trade, which reduce access to food imports, and distort the market signals for the producers and decision makers alike * assisting developing countries to adapt to this new global trading environment by providing funding for high-level trade policy training courses * funding agricultural research through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and International Agricultural Research Centres * contributing to environmental protection, by pursuing a process of adopting sustainable agricultural development, and promoting this internationally through our aid programs * contributing to international initiatives for codes of conduct for farming practices, sustainable forestry management and high-seas fisheries ‘* supporting the adoption of international standards that facilitate food trade and protect countries against practices which might put food security at risk. 15SECTION IV. LESSONS LEARNED Some countries claim that food security concerns should be met through self-sufficiency and that this requires policies to protect arable land, national production, maintain a sizable farming population and a decentralised production structure, irrespective of the cost or efficiency of such objectives. This approach can actually be counterproductive as the pursuit of self-sufficiency has an adverse effect on efficient producers in other countries, many of them developing countries, and therefore limits the range of alternative sources of supply. For those countries subsidising their agricultural production the result will often lead to a narrower range of products and thus reducing their domestic sources of supply. Overall, national food security concerns are best addressed through the development of well functioning markets, free of distortions. This necessarily includes reliance on alternative sources of supply. In the event of production shortfalls due to events such as. droughts or crop failures even countries pursuing self sufficiency must ultimately rely on imports. Agricultural and rural development is a vital component to sustainable development and poverty reduction in most developing countries. One of the most effective ways of raising and spreading incomes, particularly in countries with large rural populations, is to enhance agriculture development, production and export performance through sound policies and institutional arrangements. Many developing countries do not have the necessary capacity to manage agricultural health and quarantine to maximise agricultural productivity by containing the movement of exotic pests and diseases or to provide the quality of science needed to comply with the required international standards to participate in international trade. This disadvantages many developing countries, especially the lesser developed countries, from participating fully in international trade in agricultural commodities and is a major constraint to their agricultural development efforts, tis essential that developed countries assist developing countries to remove impediments to increased development through the provision of technical assistance and scientific training to help strengthen their institutional capabilities aimed at enhancing their capacity to effectively manage agricultural pests and diseases in order to boost agricultural productivity, alleviate rural poverty and food security concerns leading to sustainable rural development 16SECTION V. EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Overview Australia is committed to working with other nations in meeting the 1996 World Food Summit targets. The need to improve food security at the global, national and individual level is strongly supported by the Australian Government. Australian policies are aimed at the provision of safe and economically accessible food supplies and to making an effective contribution to the eradication of hunger and malnutrition throughout the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia contributes to food security in partnership with developing countries through its international development assistance program. The aid program advances Australia’s national interest by assisting developing countries to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. Improved food security is vital to the attainment of this objective. In July 1998, the Australian Government announced that Australia would contribute ASI billion from the aid program towards international food security cumulatively over the four years from July 1998 to June 2002 Australia supports food security through: * providing humanitarian relief and development food aid; assistance to agricultural sectors to improve production potentials; supporting agricultural research; assisting sustainable land management, promoting sustainable use of water resources; investing in the provision of basic education and health services for the rural poor, particularly women and girls; «strengthening institutions of developing country governments so that they can implement new policy directions in agricultural development; + providing agricultural marketing infrastructure and policy advice; and «providing trade related assistance which aims to assist developing countries better understand the post Uruguay Round trading regime and adjust to it. The Australian Government is committed to trade liberalisation, and sees it as a vital element in achieving, food security. While trade liberalisation alone cannot solve food insecurity, the root cause of which is, poverty, it offers the best opportunity to achieve long-term food security, It is recognised that some low- income food deficit countries may be disadvantaged in the short term by the removal of trade barriers. Australia is committed to ensuring that their concerns are taken into account, and moreover, is keen to ensure that where necessary, appropriate adjustment mechanisms are put in place. Australia is a major donor to the World Food Programme, owing primarily to the size of its commitments under the Food Aid Convention (250,000 tonnes of wheat-equivalent per year), AusAID AusAID, the Australian Agency for International Development, is responsible for the management of the official Australian Government overseas aid program. Australia’s overseas aid program has the objective of assisting developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. The main geographic focus of the aid program is the Asia-Pacific region ‘The comprehensive approach to food security taken in the aid program provides a broad range of options for relief, rehabilitation and development, including measures to help alleviate any adverse affects on developing countries of agricultural trade liberalisation, ACIAR ‘The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is a statutory authority established in 1982. Its establishment reflected the view that Australia could make a special contribution to development through sharing its agricultural research expertise. 7ACIAR's mandate directs it to mobilise Australia's research capacity to help solve agricultural research ~ problems of developing countries. ACIAR spends approximately A$45-50 million every year on collaborative agricultural research in partner countries. It also provides core funds (about A$9 million) to a number of international agricultural research organisations belonging to the umbrella organisation, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ‘The Centre itself does not carry out research, but brings together research institutions in Australia and partner developing countries to work together on problems of mutual interest and benefit, in fields in which Australia has comparative advantage, ACIAR projects are implemented through contractual arrangements with such Australian organisations as State agricultural departments, universities, CSIRO and the cooperative research centres. The rural industry research and development corporation and private industry ‘may also be involved. ACTAR’s projects usually have a significant R&D component, although through the design of the projects ACIAR takes steps to ensure that the results of the research achieve practical application. Much of ACTAR’s program is directly relevant to the 1996 WES commitments, 18 r error ?EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, COMMITMENT THREE. ‘We will pursue participatory and sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development policies and practices in high and low potential areas, which are essential to adequate and reliable food supplies at the household, national, regional, and global levels, and combat pests, drought and desertification, considering the multifunctional character of agriculture. Objective 3.1: To pursue, through participatory means, sustainable, intensified and diversified food production, increasing productivity, efficiency, safety gains, pest control and reduced wastes and losses, taking fully into account the need to sustain natural resources. Rural development is one of the five priority sectors for Australia’s aid program. ‘The rural development sector program contributes to meeting basic needs by focusing on income generation. Increased income can provide the poor with the freedom to make choices about how to improve their livelihoods. It also allows ‘them to improve their food security, builds assets and reduce vulnerability to disasters. During the past five years Australia has provided grant aid in the vicinity of A$180-200 million annually for food security related activities in its partner countries, mainly in the Asia and Pacific region. Similar amounts have been provided to health, education, infrastructure and governance activities. Some of the funds provided to those sectors have indirect benefit to food security. In regards to ACIAR initiated work, all ACIAR project activities are participatory in their design and execution. Projects involve collaboration between agricultural scientists in Australia and a developing country, with activities under the supervision of project leaders in both countries. Since the 1996 WES, ACIAR has commenced 264 projects with a further 90 currently under development, across over 20 partner developing countries. Many of these projects address areas listed in Objective 3.1 - enhanced food production, increased production efficiency, food safety, integrated pest management and reduction of wastage, About 100 of these projects address aspects of natural resource management. In addition, several of the ACIAR projects involve participatory research with farmers. This includes a project in the Philippines that encompasses extension of the Australian Landcare model to developing country farmers. Objective 3.2: To combat environmental threats to food security, in particular, drought and desertification, ‘pests, erosion of biological diversity, and degradation of land and aquatie-based natural resources, restore ‘and rehabilitate the natural resource base, including water and watersheds, in depleted and overexploited areas (o achieve greater production. Australia recognises that environmental sustainability is fundamental to development, AusAID’s environment policy aims to provide support to activities that protect the environment (in areas such as water supply and sanitation, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, cleaner energy and the strengthening of environmental institutions). Managing natural resources sustainability is one of the major focus of the Australian government's rural development strategy. It supports the management of land, forests, reefs, freshwater as well as the management of maritime economic zones, ‘The aid program's environmental assessment guidelines require environmental management plans for all large environmentally sensitive projects. ‘The Environmental Management Guide for Australia’s Aid Program ensures that activities are designed in such a way as to prevent or mitigate possible adverse impacts on the environment. Since 1996 Australian government direct support to activities related to the environment has been steadily increasing. In financial year 2000-01 a total of AS73 million was contributed towards environmental activities. 19Australia recognises that food crops are constantly at risk from exotic pests and diseases. In recent years, ‘Australia has funded quarantine projects in many of its partner countries. In 2000-01 Australian aid contribution towards plant and post-harvest protection and pest control amounted to about AS8 mi Nn, In its 1996-2001 strategic planning exercise, ACIAR made a commitment to enhancing its investment projects relating to broad-scale management of natural resources. In its 2001-2006 strategic plan, ACIAR also committed to increase its investment in aquaculture, in recognition of the depletion of capture fishery resources. Objective 3.3: To promote sound policies and programmes on transfer and use of technologies, skills development and training appropriate to the food security needs of developing countries and compatible with sustainable development, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas. Education and training enhance economic and employment opportunities in the non-farm sector by providing the rural poor with marketable skills over and above their labour. To enable rural poor to diversify into non-farm income generating activities, Australia through its aid program provides technical, ‘managerial and service skills training to build the capacity of support organisations that promote income generation in rural areas in partner countries. ‘Training is also provided to enhance the contributions of agricultural research and development institutions. Australia’s overseas aid program contribution towards education and training amounts to about A$250-270 million annually. In recent years there has been an increasing emphasis on basic education. It is followed by technical and vocational education. Providing basic education in rural communities is often an essential pre- requisite to improvements in other sectors, such as basic health care and agricultural production Scholarships in agriculture, forestry and fisheries are counted as food security related activities. In 2000- 2001 Australia provided 609 scholarships to students from developing countries. Of these 40 awards or about 6.6%, valued at ASI 4million were for study in agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors. Over the past 5 years, there has been a significant increase in emphasis on achieving practical impact from ACIAR's projects through transfer of technologies. Practical training in the latest agricultural techniques is an element of all projects. Some of the achievements of technology transfer of project results have included: ‘© Biological control of weeds and insect pests of crops, including banana skipper in PNG, salvinia water fern in Sri Lanka; passionfruit scale in Samoa; water hyacinth in Thailand; breadfruit ‘mealybug in the South Pacific; and Siam weed in Sumatra, Indonesia. ‘* Post-harvest management, for improved storage of tropical fruit including bananas in Malaysia, the Philippines and Australia and of mangoes, longans, lychees, durians, mangosteen and rambutans in Thailand, ‘* ACIAR also has supported collaborative research on genetic improvement of eucalypts, acacias and casuarinas, particularly in China, where more than 1 million hectares of improved trees have now been planted, with benefits estimated at more than $120 million. ‘+ Breeding rapeseed with improved oil and meal quality in China ‘+ New varieties of pigeon pea in India for some of the most marginal lands. ‘* Control of Neweastle disease of chickens through vaccines delivered in Malaysia, Vietnam and Mozambique. ‘© Genetic improvement of pigs in Vietnam ‘* Identification and control of fruit flies in Malaysia, Thailand, many Pacific Island countries and Papua New Guinea, Vietnam and Bhutan ‘© Drying grain and controlling storage pests in the Philippines, Thailand, China and Vietnam. 20* Technology to control foot-and-mouth disease of cattle in Thailand and Laos * Genetic improvement of wheat to provide resistance to rusts (India, Pakistan) and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (China) * Minimum tillage: controlling weeds, conserving soil and water, and reducing energy inputs to agriculture in India and China © Managing fish diseases in Thailand and Indonesia especially EUS in finfish and viruses in shrimp Objective 3.4: To take decisive action in cooperation between the public and the private sectors to strengthen and broaden research and scientific cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and forestry in supporting policy and international, regional, national and local action to increase productive potential and ‘maintain the natural resource base in agriculture, fisheries and forestry and in support of efforts 10 eradicate poverty and promote food security Australian activities in international research to promote food security are well coordinated with host developing countries and major international research groups. Australia’s policy, through ACIAR and AusAID, of achieving partnerships with host countries in research projects, ensures full local involvement and commitment to the planning, execution and implementation of research results with local communities and other private sector groups. ACIAR spends approximately A$45-50 million every year on collaborative agricultural research in partner countries. It also provides core funds (about AS9 million) to a number of international Agricultural Research organisations belonging to the umbrella organisation, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ACIAR promotes research into improving sustainable agricultural production (including forestry and fisheries) and natural resource management in developing countries. ACIAR’s research and development programs in developing countries utilise and develop existing institutions and processes for achieving consensus and local relevance and participation. In the planning and development of ACIAR’s overseas assistance programs special country consultations occur: ‘* to exchange views on the partner country’s agriculture, forestry, fisheries and natural resources problems and opportunities; ‘+ to review existing ACIAR projects in the partner country with reference to the stated goals of the partner country’s agriculture, forestry, fisheries and natural resources sectors, © to familiarise the partner country with Australia's particular areas of scientific expertise, and areas in which they can make a substantial contribution; * to identify priorities for future ACIAR work in the partner country; and + to consider the effectiveness of operational arrangements including coordination, funding, liaison and mechanisms for extension of results An important part of Australia’s overseas aid initiatives is country consultation is to ensure that gender perspectives are integrated into research planning and implementation in ways that will be effective and supported within the host country’s communities Since the 1996 WES, the involvement of the private sector in cooperative ACIAR research projects aimed at productivity increases, poverty alleviation and food security has increased significantly ~ companies are now involved in over 20 active projects. This includes the private sector in both developing countries and Australia. For example, in a project in Papua New Guinea, Australian scientists are collaborating with the Oil Palm industry on research that is already leading to an increase in incomes of smallholder growers. In another project in Indonesia, ACIAR is working with private sector chocolate processors to ensure that ‘market returns to cocoa-growing smallholders increase through elevation of the processing quality 2Objective 3.5: To formulate and implement integrated rural development strategies, in low and high potential areas, that promote rural employment, skill formation, infrastructure, institutions and services, in support of rural development and household food security and that reinforce the local productive capacity of farmers, fishers and foresters and others actively involved in the food sector, including members of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, women and indigenous people, and their representative organizations, and that ensure their effective participation. The formulation and implementation of integrated rural development strategies that promote rural employment, skill development, infrastructure, institutions and services is incorporated in Australia’s aid program. These activities reinforce the local productive capacity of farmers, fishers and foresters and others actively involved in the food sector including members of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Women’s needs and perspectives are considered in the planning and delivery of all Australian aid activities In keeping with AusAID’s Gender and Development policy, Australia’s assistance in the agricultural sector continues to promote equal opportunities for women and men, Emphasis is placed upon promoting women’s equal access to economic resources including land and credit, and on improving the technical and professional skills of women as well as men. Education of girls in particular has major flow-on effects in sectors where women tend to take the prime responsibility: water supply, health care, agriculture and micro- enterprise. 22EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS COMMITMENT FOUR We will strive (o ensure that food, agricultural trade and overall trade policies are conducive to fostering food security for all through a fair and market-orientated world trade system. ‘The Australian Government views a more open trade system as central to increasing food security. It pursues trade liberalisation through multilateral, regional and bilateral forums. This includes efforts to remove impediments to international agricultural food trade that reduce access to food imports. Australia also assists developing countries adjust to the global trading environment by providing funding for high- level trade policy training courses. Objective 4.1: To meet the challenges of and utilize the opportunities arising from the international trade framework established in recent global and regional trade negotiations. Australia considers trade liberalisation essential for promotion of food security. Australia supports the reduction of barriers to agricultural trade in order to develop competitive agricultural markets, both internationally and domestically. Developing countries can gain from improved market access in high- income countries. Openness to global markets, coupled with market-based exchange rates, encourages investment in areas of comparative advantage. Removal of domestic policies that protect agricultural sectors can make crop selection more efficient, improve produce quality and lower prices, Australia’s aid program assists developing countries to improve agricultural sector competitiveness Australia is pursuing trade liberalisation through the APEC forum and is supporting the efforts of developing countries to access the gains from free trade in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia has an active program of technical cooperation and policy dialogue with developing countries aimed at strengthening their capacity and institutional capabilities to participate in global and regional trading arrangements and take advantage of new trade arrangements, Areas of direct trade-related assistance include trade policy development, strengthening of customs and quarantine procedures, taxation (including tariff) reform, trade and tourism promotion and investment policy formulation. Our assistance is provided either as part of aid-funded activity or through specific requests from developing countries. Activities have focused on training on quarantine principles, capacity in risk analysis and to improve awareness of sanitary and phytosanitary issues in general to help them comply with international standards consistent with their obligations under the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement. We also host short term visits from counterpart agencies government/industry delegations and study teams which wish to familiarise themselves for example, with Australian quarantine, standards or export certification arrangements, or quality management systems, which also helps to facilitate their access to our marke, Trade related development assistance projects worth over AS140 million are currently underway, with about AS27 million spent in 2000-01. About AS72 million was spent in 2000-01 on strengthening economic policy and management, A$86 million on human and institutional capacity building in the public sector and AS25 million on legal and judicial strengthening, Infrastructure development- particularly transport and communications (A$84 million in 2000-01) also contributes to more effective involvement in world trade. ACIAR supports @ number of projects exploring comparative advantage in trade of agricultural products and understanding the implications of trade liberalisation for developing countries. Examples since the 1996 WES include projects on: * Policy analysis of linkages between Indonesia's agricultural production, trade and environment ‘Assessment of price support schemes for tree crop export industries in Papua New Guinea and policy recommendations on fture assistance + Achieving food security in China - implications of WTO accession + Fiji sugar industry: assessing international sugar market reforms and their impacts and defining appropriate responses 23,‘* International food safety regulation and processed food exports from developing countries: A comparative study of India and Thailand ‘+ Equity driven trade and marketing policy strategies for improved performance of -Indian agriculture- a scoping exercise * The identification of key agicultural and agribusiness policy issues in developing APEC economies and Australia and their implications for Australian trade and investment, Objective 4.2: To meet essential food import needs in all countries, considering world price and supply fluctuations and taking especially into account food consumption levels of vulnerable groups in developing countries Food aid continues to be an important element of Australia’s aid program, Australia is a major donor to the World Food Program, owing primarily to the size of its commitments under the Food Aid Convention (250,000 tonnes of wheat-equivalent per year). While 40 percent of the total food aid is provided as emergency food, the rest is provided as development food aid, mainly to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Net Food Importing Developing Countries (NFIDCs), Ohjective 4.3: To support the continuation of the reform process in conformity with the Uruguay Round Agreement, particularly Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture. Australia supports regional forums addressing agricultural trade issues under the Uruguay Round including Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture by providing technical and financial assistance to LDCs and ‘NFIDCs to improve their agricultural productivity and infrastructure, and training in areas such as intellectual property rights , standards harmonisation and customs and quarantine procedures, 24EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS COMMITMENT SIX We will promote optimal allocation and use of public and private investments to foster human resources, sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries and forestry systems, and rural development, in high and low potential areas. Objective 6.1: To create the policy framework and conditions so that optimal public and private invesiments are encouraged in equitable and sustainable development of the food systems, rural development and human resources on the scale needed to contribute to food security. State owned industries dominate in many developing countries. Post-harvest processing and marketing of agricultural products is generally more efficient if private businesses are allowed to compete equitably. Abundant rural labour is a comparative advantage, but policy restrictions on labour mobility can restrict, opportunities for farm workers to find non-farm employment. Australia, therefore, assists partner countries to develop enabling environments that stimulate private sector competition, facilitate labour market mobility and assist the development of small and medium size enterprises Since the 1996 WES, ACIAR has established a dedicated agricultural development policy program, aimed to foster and financially support collaborative research with developing countries on the implications of different policy options. This approach empowers developing country institutions to seek out their own options for policy development rather than be "dictated to" by foreign advisors, This includes a number of projects in which general equilibrium models were developed of particular economies and training was provided in their use and further development. Objective 6.2: To endeavour to mobilize, and optimize the use of, technical and financial resources from all sources, including debt relief, in order to raise investment in activities related to sustainable agriculture, Jisheries, forestry and food production in developing countries to the levels needed to contribute to food ‘security ‘The Australian Government recognises that unsustainable debt is a serious problem. Debt relief has the potential to free developing country resources for humanitarian spending on health, education, and other indispensable purposes. The Australian Government contributed AS40 million towards the enhanced IMF/World Bank Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. In addition, the Australian Government provided 100 per cent debt relief to Nicaragua (2000) and Ethiopia (2001) 25EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS COMMITMENT SEVEN ‘We will implement, monitor, and follow-up this Plan of Action at all levels in cooperation with the international community. Objective 7.1: To adopt actions within each country's national framework to enhance food security and enable the implementation of the commitments of the World Food Summit Plan of Action. Objective 7.2: To improve sub-regional, regional, and international cooperation and to mobilize, and optimize the use of, available resources to support national efforts for the earliest possible achievement of sustainable world food security Objective 7.3: To monitor actively the implementation of the World Food Summit Plan of Action. Objective 7.4: To clarify the content of the right to adequate food and the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger, as stated in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other relevant international and regional instruments, and to give particular attention to implementation ‘and full and progressive realization of this right as a means of achieving food security for all. Objective 7.5: To share responsibilities in achieving food security for all so that implementation of the World Food Summit Plan of Action takes place at the lowest possible level at which its purpose could be best achieved. Refer to Section I11, Commitment Seven, 26 1 Ta