food security
 
LONDON, ENGLAND — The Republic of Korea has joined the Food Assistance Convention, bringing the total number of members to 16, the International Grains Council (IGC) announced on Feb. 2.

Korea’s initial minimum annual commitment in 2018 will be 46 billion won ($42.3 million), the IGC said.

The Food Assistance Convention represents a continued commitment by its 16 parties to contribute to global food security, and to improve the ability of the international community to respond to emergency food situations and other food needs of developing countries.

Through commitment to cooperation and collaboration, the Food Assistance Convention countries seek to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of food assistance in saving lives, reducing hunger and improving the nutritional status of the most vulnerable populations.

Other members of the Food Assistance Convention are: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Japan, Luxembourg, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.