The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a new call for competitive bid to supply 1,750 metric tons of locally produced rice in Haiti, by farmers' organizations for the school feeding program. This call marks the beginning of WFP's commitment to increase its local procurement activities for this year and next year, in support of government objectives to increase local agricultural production in order to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition, while increasing accessibility to markets for farmers.

"Through these supplies, WFP aims to invest in a sustainable supply system for the country to help increase the income of the producer members of peasant organizations," said George Heymell, WFP Representative in Haiti.

With a good harvest this year and favorable climatic conditions, WFP plans to expand its local purchases in Haiti of 3,000 tonnes for the year 2013-2014. This will include local supply for nutrition activities for the national school feeding program and the "Lèt Agogo" program for the purchase of locally produced milk.

This purchase campaign represents an increase compared to last year. In 2012 the WFP supply of locally produced food to school canteens, included : 1,240 tons of locally produced rice, 1,169 tons of local rice received as a gift and 133 tons of ground corn. In addition, WFP had purchased locally 224 metric tons of "Plumpy'Sup" as part of its nutritional activities. The "Lèt Agogo" milk distribution program also provided 1.1 million bottles of locally produced milk to 28,000 students in 60 schools.

This new commitment for the year 2013-2014 has been made possible through the continued support of the governments of Canada, France and Brazil, as well as the support of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) "We are grateful of this support," said George Heymell "The support of our donors enables WFP and the Government of Haiti to continue to invest in local markets and the future of the country."

HL/ HaitiLibre