Bonn. Welthungerhilfe is demanding a significant change in policy from the FAO food summit beginning in Rome today for the benefit of agriculture and food security in the third world. "After so much talking there has to be some action at long last to eradicate the global hunger crisis, " demands Hans-Joachim Preuß, general secretary of Welthungerhilfe. The important thing here is that not only is food produced in sufficient quantity, but also, and above all, that it is distributed to those that need it, since hunger is a direct consequence of poverty. "Those with no money can't buy food. Those without land can't grow any," stressed Preuß.

Die Welthungerhilfe believes that both the developing countries and the industrialised nations have an obligation to agree a long-term international strategy at this summit. The FAO has to ensure that the strategy is implemented. The government heads and ministers have to reach an agreement that precedence is given to the production of food and long-term investment in agriculture and rural regions. "We no longer need emergency aid programmes, but a permanent change in agriculture," demands Preuß.

Last year Welthungerhilfe also focussed on the provision of support for rural and regional development. About 50 million Euro were made available for projects directly benefiting the small farmers on the land. This includes inter alia measures such as expanding the irrigation system, improvements in the methods of cultivation, the construction of roads and grain stores as well as the protection of resources.

Our food expert Dr. Rafaël Schneider is in Rome and is available to give interviews upon request.

Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest private sector aid organisations in Germany. It provides aid from a single source. This ranges from rapid aid in response to catastrophes to reconstruction, to long-term development aid projects working together with local aid organisations. It works on the principle of helping others to help themselves. Since it was established in 1962 it has provided assistance in more than 5,500 projects in 70 countries with 1.9 billion Euro. It's aim to combat hunger and poverty.

Further information is available at www.welthungerhilfe.de