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Updates to global food security act

A policy analyst says the recently passed Global Food Security Act updates agricultural development efforts by the U.S. for the first time in more than 50 years.

Liz Marcey with CARE USA, a humanitarian and development organization, tells Brownfield the law will create a government strategy to address hunger and updates international disaster assistance.  “Because this bill is focused on accountability and effectiveness of these programs, and these programs are already in existence, this is a zero cost bill for the American tax payer.”

She says providing developing countries with resources to better feed themselves in return creates new markets for U.S. agriculture.  “The U.S. Department of Agriculture has estimated that in the coming years 94 percent of the growth in exports of U.S. grains is going to come from developing countries.”

The measure is designed to strengthen education efforts for farmers in developing nations, improve nutrition, and work to reduce food shortages.

AUDIO: Interview with Liz Marcey