Brussels, 04/12/08: The European Parliament today voted through the Regulation for an Emergency Food Aid Facility which was negotiated with Council and Commission by Gay Mitchell MEP. Mitchell said in a statement: "The €1 billion to be spent (€870 million this year and next) will go to assist those suffering from rapid increases in food prices in the developing world. Getting approval quickly was necessary in order to meet the March/April 09 planting season." However, Mitchell clearly stated that he was disappointed that the money would not be taken from the unspent CAP farm funds as suggested in the original Commission proposal. Due to oppision by both Council and Parliament sources, the funds will come from within the budget line for external aid policies, known as Heading 4.

• Click here to read the EPP-ED press release on the approval of the food facility
• Click here to read the Council conclusions on the food facility
• Click here to read an article about the deal from Euractiv.com
• Click here to read an article about reaction to the deal from The Irish Times