Brussels, 15/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - The €1 billion “Food Facility” (fund) created by the European Union to help developing countries cope with the food crisis in 2009-2011 is now operational. On Friday 15 May 2009, the European Commission in Brussels signed what it describes as the 'first contribution agreements' with three UN implementing partners: FAO (€106 million), UNRWA (€39.6 million) and UNICEF (€8.2 million). Similar contribution agreements with the World Food Programme (€38.7 million) and UNOPS (€10 million)are expected to be finalised shortly, to be followed by agreements with the World Bank, IFAD and UNDP.
A €200 million call for proposals will be launched on the 26th May 2009, to finance projects to be implemented by NGOs, EU member states development agencies and local authorities active in 35 priority countries. (A.N. trans fl)