WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/AG/N/AUS/21
5 November 1998
(98-4380)
Committee on Agriculture Original:  English
NOTIFICATION
The attached notification in the context of actions taken within the framework of the Decision
on Measures Concerning the Possible Negative Effects of the Reform programme on
Least-Developed and Net-Food Importing Developing Countries for the financial year 1997/98(Table NF:1 ) was received from the delegation of Australia on 2 November 1998.
_______________
In accordance with notification requirements within the framework of the Decision on
Measures Concerning the Possible Negative Effects of the Reform Programme on Least-Developed
and Net Food-Importing Countries ( Table NF:1 ), the following provides details of Australia's
programmes in respect of the Decision.G/AG/N/AUS/21
Page 2
Table NF:1
Notification under Article 16:2 of the Agreement:
Monitoring of the Follow-Up to the Decision on
Measures Concerning the Possible Negative Effects of
the Reform Programme on Least Developed and Net
Food-Importing Developing Countries: Australia
REPORTING PERIOD: Financia l Year 1997-98 (A$dollars)
(1) Quantity of food aid provided to least developed and net food-importing developing
countries:
Australia was unable to fully meet its Food Aid Convention (FAC) commitment to provide
300,000 tonnes of food aid or wheat equivalent in 1997-98.  In the event, Australia provided 293,552
tonnes (wheat equivalent) of food aid, representing 97.9 per cent of Australia’s FAC commitment, and
also provided transport for the drought emergency in PNG and for similar operations in theIndonesian province of Irian Jaya. Of the total amount provided, 181,318 tonnes (wheat equivalent)
representing some sixty two per cent was provided to Least-Developed (LDCs)
1 and Net Food-
Importing Developing Countries (NFIDCs)2. This amounted to a total of A$76 million in 1997-98
(see Attachment A).
(2) Indication of the proportions in fully gr ant form or appropriate concessional terms:
All Australian food aid is provided on fully grant terms.
(3) Technical and financial assistance under paragraph 3 (iii) of the Decision:
The agency primarily responsible for delivering Australia’s aid program is the Australian
Agency for International Development (AusAID). AusAID aims to reduce poverty and achieve
sustainable development in developing countries not just by improving agriculture and rural
development but also by directing its efforts across a variety of sectors.  The Australian Centre for
International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) also assists developing countries through both bilateral
and multilateral projects.  ACIAR delivers agricultural research programs in collaboration withAustralian institutions and their counterparts in developing countries.  A major focus of all projects is
poverty alleviation through sustainable agriculture and increased food security.
In the financial year 1997-98, AusAID provided a total of A$244.9 million for programs
within the ambit of the Decision and related to countries developing their food security.  A$161.9
million was provided as multilateral core funding, A$8.1 million as regional funding, A$19.5 million
in bilateral/developmental food aid, A$25 million on  bilateral humanitarian/emergency assistance and
A$30.4 million in scholarships to relevant LDCs/NFIDCs.
All financial assistance provided through Au sAID and ACIAR is in wholly grant form.
Details of assistance provided in the financial year ending 30 June 1998 follows.
                                                     
1 Based on DAC country classification as of January 1997.
2 LDCs plus Barbados, Botswana, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Honduras, Jamaica, Kenya,
Mauritius, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Saint Lucia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia and
Venezuela.G/AG/N/AUS/21
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(i) Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
Multilateral Core Funding
A proportion of Australia’s core contributions to the multilateral development banks and
other relevant multilateral organisations is used for food security related development activities in
LDCs and NFIDCs.  The figures reflected here, however, refer to Australia’s total contribution to
relevant agencies.  Clearly, only a part of this funding should be recognised as funding for food
security in LDCs and NFIDCs.
International Agency Expenditure (A$'000)
1997-98
Asian Development Fund 2,319
International Development Association 121,460
International Fund for Agricultural Development 1,500United Nations Environment Program 510United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 13,500United Nations Relief and Works Agency 2,650United Nations Development Program 6,500
International Environment programs
Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol/ 4,519Global Environment Facility 8,908
Total 161,866
Regional Funding, including South Pacific and South East Asian LDCs
(see attachment B).
Region Expenditure (A$)
1997-98
South Pacific 4,703,447
South East Asia 2,855,069Southern Africa 500,000
Total 8,058,516
Bilateral
Most of Australia’s aid is delivered in the context of country programs based on country
strategies.  These strategies reflect recipient government priorities as well as Australia’s capacity to
assist.  Specific projects are developed with partner countries in order to provide technical and
financial assistance to: improve agricultural productivity and sustainability, agricultural storage,
forestry and fisheries, environmental management, management of water resources, the provision of
infrastructure related to food security and to assist countries adjust to the new trading environment.
Bilateral country food aid and emergency expenditures are listed below.G/AG/N/AUS/21
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Country Expenditure (A$)
1997-98
Afghanistan 3,000,000
Bangladesh 12,766,856
Cambodia 5,000,000
Ethiopia 4,000,000Kenya 1,000,000Laos 990,700Mozambique 6,399,255Nepal 1,000,000
Sri Lanka 5,731,000
Sudan 2,803,000Uganda 1,805,000
Total 44,495,811
Scholarships
In LDCs and identified NFIDCs, during 1997-98, Australia funded 737 students (58 per cent
males and 42 per cent females) for tertiary level study in Australia valued at A$30.4 million.  Of these
awards, 24 per cent were for study in natural sciences and agricultural and related fields.
Humanitarian relief (in addition to food aid)
In 1997-98, Australia undertook a number of projects in relation to humanitarian relief to
LDCs and NFIDCs, which impacted directly on agricultural production in a number of countries for a
total of A$7.2 million. Examples of programs include the Burma Agroforestry project in Rakhine
State and the Uganda Food Security program in  the Kitgum District (see attachment C).
(ii) The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
In 1997-98, the Australian Centre for Agricultural Research expended A$39.8 million of
which A$22 million was in support of research relating directly to agricultural productivity ofrecipient countries.
Multilateral programmes
In 1997-98 ACIAR provided A$8.9 million to multilateral International Agricultural Research
Centres whose mandate is to increase global food security.  One of the major criteria on which
ACIAR bases its allocation of Australia’s funds to the International Agricultural Research Centres
(IARCs) is the contribution of a centre’s research to economic development, poverty alleviation and
sustainability (see Attachment D).
Bilateral programmes
Approximately $2.1 million, 10 per cent of the research program expenditure, of ACIAR
funded research was directly provided to bilatera l projects in identified LDCs/NFIDCs.  Projects
funded under ACIAR’s bilateral program comprise rese arch targeting the following food security and
poverty alleviation issues:G/AG/N/AUS/21
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− animal sciences , leading to healthier and more productive livestock for smallholder farming
systems through improved animal nutrition, control of parasites, reproduction and animalhusbandry;
− crop sciences , by developing higher yielding horticultural crops through the use of genetically
superior cultivars, the control of diseases, and the development of environmentally safemethods to combat pests and weeds;
− fisheries , through conservation and responsible utilisation of wild marine and freshwater
fisheries, developing superior breedstock a nd breeding techniques, sourcing suitable foods
and controlling disease to ensure more productive and sustainable aquaculture;
− forestry , through identification of suitable fast-growing tree species for use in community
forestry to provide, amongst other uses, fuelwood for cooking, and the development of
technologies to improve productivity of selected trees.
− land and water resources , by enhancing crop production through better methods of improving
soil fertility and structure, conservation of soil and water resources, including erosion and
water management, ameliorating salinity of soil and water, and conserving agricultural landthrough better cultivation practices and land management systems;
− post-harvest technology , through reduction of food wastage after harvest by ensuring that
grain, fruit, vegetables, and fish can be handled, stored, processed and transported safely and
economically between harvest and disposal to consumers; and
− economics , through economic research to underpin the development of government policy
aimed at encouraging efficient and sustainable use and management of agriculture and natural
resources, including land, water, fish and forest resources.
(4) Other relevant information with respect to actions taken within the framework of the
Decision
Changed arrangements for the allocation and distribution of Australian food aid were trialed
in 1996-97 in a move aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the program. Under the
new arrangements the total food aid component of Australia’s Humanitarian Relief Program wasallocated directly to the United Nations World Food Programme (whereas in 1995-96, for example,
only 80% was distributed in this way). In 1997-98 a di rect cash contribution was provided to WFP for
a selected group of protracted and emergency relief operations. These included operations in
Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Democratic People’s Repub lic of Korea and Sudan. This new arrangement
gives WFP a guaranteed level of support for sele cted operations. At the same time, urgent and
unforeseen requirements for food aid will be considered under the emergency operation.
A number of Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) also undertake assistance
programs, which have a direct impact on recipient countries’ food security.  During 1997-98 World
Vision, the Overseas Service Bureau, Community  Aid Abroad, CARE Australia, UNICEF and the
Australian Red Cross were the major recipients of  Australian official aid.  In 1997-98 AusAID funded
projects related to food security through NGOs, to LDCs and NFIDCs, to the value of approximately
A$3.9 million.  Examples of projects undertak en through NGOs  include Integrated Rural
Development Projects in Bangladesh and Cambodia, and a Livestock Rehabilitation Project in
Mozambique (see Attachment E).
In addition, a number of State and Commonwealth  government agencies and departments also
sponsor official exchanges with a number of countries, including in Australia’s immediate region.
Outcomes from these programs would have incidental effects on participating countries’ agriculture
and food security.
Australian diplomatic posts are in a position to provide interested parties with more details on
the information and programs contained above.G/AG/N/AUS/21
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ATTACHMENT A
(1) Quantity of food aid provided to least developed and net food-importing countries:
Breakdown by commodity and recipient countries.
Recipient Commodity
TypeQuantity
(tonnes)FAC
Wheat
EquivTotal paid
(A$)
Bilateral Development
Bangladesh Wheat 50,000 50,000 11,335,856
Mozambique Wheat 17,700 17,700 6,399,255Sri Lanka Wheat 6,000 6,000 1,731,000
Subtotal 73,700 19,466,111
Emergency/Relief
Afghanistan Wheat 4,765 4,765 3,000,000
Bangladesh Rice 2,074 3,525 1,361,864Bangladesh Vegetable oil 53 0 69,136Cambodia Rice 8,300 14,110 5,000,000Ethiopia Cereals 7,860 7,860 4,000,000
Kenya Maize 1,578 1,578 1,000,000
Laos Rice 1,690 2,873 990,700Nepal Rice 2,178 3,702 1,000,000Sri Lanka Rice 7,276 12,369 4,000,000Sudan Maize 292 292 680,000Sudan Cereals 1,417 1,417 2,000,000
Sudan Seeds 44 44 123,000
Uganda Seeds 572 572 520,000Uganda Maize meal 1,100 1,100 795,122Uganda Pulses 495 990 489,878
Subtotal 55,197 25,029,700
Multilateral Development - World Food Programme
Bangladesh Wheat 38,100 38,100 8,803,767
Cape Verde Rice 300 510 123,600
Gambia Rice 1,562 2,652 652,644Haiti Rice 200 340 82,400Haiti Flour 1,609 2,204 544,646Honduras Rice 1,866 3,172 809,844Ivory Coast Rice 600 1,020 247,200
Sao Tome Rice 200 340 82,400
Senegal Rice 1,199 2,038 493,988Sri Lanka Rice 1,203 2,045 495,636
Subtotal 52,421 12,336,125
WFP Cash Tranche  (*) 18,711,712
Miscellaneous Expenditure 567,343
Total WFP Development 19,279,055
Grand Total 181,318 76,110,991
(*)  Payment for transport of food commoditiesG/AG/N/AUS/21
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ATTACHMENT B
(3) Technical and financial assistance under paragraph 3(iii) of the Decision: Disaggregation
by program expenditure and total project value
Regional funding (includes South Pacific and South East Asian LDCs)
Region - Project Expenditure
(A$) 1997-98Total Project
Value (A$)
South Pacific
South Pacific Commission
Plant protection in Micronesia 192,000 970,052Women's Fisheries Development 83,000 220,000Paraveterinary training project 25,000 25,000
South Pacific Trade Commission 1,047,000 4,806,945
Forum Fisheries Agency
Core and extra budgetary 1,806,000 11,043,946Fisheries Management Advisor 124,781 365,000Multilateral High Level Conf. Assistance 145,000 215,000
PACIFICLAND Phase 2 681,405 681,405
       Pacific Regional Fruit Fly Project Phase  3 384,450 1,218,793
Pacific Islands Forests and Trees Support Progr. 200,000 600,000UNICEF Regional Family Nutrition Project 14,811 1,660,000
Subtotal 4,703,447
South East Asia
       Ciat forages for smallholders 861,478 4,300,000
FAO Intercountry Integrated Pest Management in Rice
Project1,152,660 12,500,000
FAO Integrated Pest Management in Vegetables Project 524,406 1,300,000
Agriculture Dev & Support Centre Project 316,525 2,000,000
Subtotal 2,855,069
Regional Southern Africa
Africa program to combat desertification 200,000 972,250
CIMMYT - Risk Management of Maize Farming Systems 300,000 900,000
Subtotal 500,000
GRAND TOTAL 8,058,516G/AG/N/AUS/21
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ATTACHMENT C
Humanitarian Relief (in addition to food aid): Disaggregation of the funds allocated and program
type
Country - Project Expenditure (A$)
1997-98
Afghanistan
Gardez City Water & Sanitation Project 575,000Assistance for victims of earthquake 300,000
Angola
Environmental health systems for water and sanitation 519,600Basic health, water and sanitation project 460,000
Burma
Flood Relief 54,408Rakhine agroforestry project 169,000
Cambodia
Reintegration of refugees 500,000
Ethiopia
Dry land farming project 92,115Rural water supply development program 960,000
Great Lakes Sub-Region
Kanzanze water and Sanitation Rehabilitation 362,361Kibungo water rehabilitation project 945,266Water rehabilitation and public health 678,815
Nepal
Bhutanese refugee project 256,684
Solomon Islands
Drought relief 22,595
Sudan
Emergency seeds distribution 320,000
Burma/Thailand border
Burmese refugee relief program 650,000
Uganda
Food security program 286,700
Vanuatu
Cyclone damage 13,001
Total 7,165,545G/AG/N/AUS/21
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ATTACHMENT D
The Australian Centre for Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Disaggregation of the funds allocated
to the International Agricultural Research Centres (IARCs) in 1997-98
Acronym Full name and country of location A$
AVRDC Asian Vegetable Research and Development Centre,
Taiwan220,071
CABI Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, UK 200,000
CIAT International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, Colombia 344,858
CIFOR Center for International Forestry Research, Indonesia 492,038
CIMMYT International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre,
Mexico1,076,659
CIP International Potato Centre, Peru 200,000
IBSRAM International Board for Soil Research and Management,
Thailand376,600
ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry
Areas, Syria569,503
ICIPE International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology,
Kenya74,000
ICLARM International Center for Living Aquatic Resources
Management, Philippines527,402
ICRAF International Centre for Research in Agroforestry, Kenya 265,000
ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid
Tropics, India1,050,000
IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute, USA 445,138
IFS International Foundation for Science, Sweden 100,000
IIMI International Irrigation Management Institute,
Sri Lanka215,000
ILRI International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya 627,762
IPGRI International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Italy 626,588
IRRI International Rice Research Institute, Philippines 1,199,833
ISNAR International Service for National Agricultural Research,
Netherlands250,000
TOTAL 8,860,452G/AG/N/AUS/21
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ATTACHMENT E
(4) Other relevant information with respect to actions taken within the framework of the
Decision: Disaggregation by country, project and NGO delivering the program.
Country Project - NGO Expenditure (A$)
97-98
Afghanistan
SERVE Solar energy and forestry program (TEAR
Australia)64,178
Bangladesh
Integrated farming development (Rotary Australia
World Community Service)26,617
GBC Primary Health Care Project (Australian Baptist
World Aid)58,500
Paharia Community Development Program (Australian
Baptist World Aid)29,250
Swoshika Community Development Program
(Australian Baptist World Aid)54,750
Prottasha Community Development Program
(Australian Baptist World Aid)23,250
Symbiosis Community Development Program
(Australian Baptist World Aid)111,750
Cambodia
Integrated Rural Development Project (Australian
Lutheran World Service)216,162
Ethiopia
Community Development Program (Community Aid
Abroad)182,430
Guinea Bissau
Access to potable water (PLAN International) 31,282
Kenya
South West Nakur Community based development
(TEAR Australia)63,750
Kenya East Africa Food Security support (Adventist
Development and Relief Agency)74,250
Mozambique
Rehabilitation and training programs (National Council
of Churches in Australia)37,500
Peru
Agricultural and Forestry Cooperative Program
(Educational Development Association)11,280
Regional
Africa development programs (World Vision) 1,401,694
Central & South America
Indigenous & minority ethnicities (Community AidAbroad)21,275
Cross Regional
Pilot Initiatives Program (CARE Australia)65,739
South-East Asia
Asia-Pacific Regional Community Development(Adventist Development and Relief Agency)552,159
Solomon Islands
Community Ethnobotanical Manual (Appropriate
Technology for Community and Environment)12,970G/AG/N/AUS/21
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Country Project - NGO Expenditure (A$)
97-98
Maternal and child health (Save the Children Fund) 204,044
Pacific people and plants (World Wide Fund for
Nature)34,000
Sri Lanka
Community Development Program (Community Aid
Abroad)80,134
Sudan
Community based animal health program (TEAR
Australia)67,500
Tanzania
Agricultural extension project (Salvation Army) 29,887Morogoro reafforestation project (TEAR Australia) 17,500
Uganda
Piggery Project for 3 villages (Christian Children's fund
of Australian Ltd)70,170
Cattle Dispersal in 7 districts (Christian Children's fund
of Australian Ltd)205,740
Zambia
Drought recovery and development program (National
Council of Churches in Australia)37,500
Kanyama nutrition centre and playschool (Salvation
Army)93,067
Refugee Environment Protection Program (Australians
Care for Refugees)50,000
3,928,327
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