Debate resumed, on motion by Mr Ripoll:

That the House:

(1)

notes that:

(a)

global food prices have risen 83 per cent since 2005;

(b)

the World Bank’s 2008 Agriculture for Development report predicts global cereal production must increase by 50 per cent and meat production by 85 per cent between 2000 and 2030 to meet demand;

(c)

Australia has recently suffered some of the worst droughts on record, increasing water scarcity and affecting our local crops and produce;

(d)

many Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development countries have diverted large proportions of crops to biofuel production; and

(e)

foreign aid to agriculture fell from 18 per cent of total aid 30 years ago, to 3.5 per cent in 2004; and

(2)

supports:

(a)

positive initiatives by the current Government to address climate change;

(b)

policies, projects and programs that deliver long term solutions for water security; and

(c)

the Government’s commitment to tackle the impact of rising food prices and shortages by addressing the root causes of global food security.

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