BRIEFING WITH HON. MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE REGARDING TC SEASON

In 2015 we were taken off guard (TC Pam). Due to that, and thanks to the support of Dr Chris and GIZ, we managed to set up a RRU to help with TC Pam emergencyrelief support and relevant follow up work to date. This time around we must be prepared.

I am aware, recently a SOP (standard operating procedure) to deal with agriculture-related issues notably during/after cyclones. It will be very important that atMinistry level the Minister knows so he can brief Parliament on what measures MALFFB will take in future. The FSAC has also been meeting regularly since TC Pam.

I am therefore calling for an important BRIEFING SESSION with the Hon Minister on Thursday 27^th October (next week) from 2:30-5pmto allow the RRU and FSAC andrelevant departments to brief the Ministry as we anticipate the approaching cyclone season. Grateful if you could have our colleagues at the Ministry of ClimateChange also informed so they can come around and brief MALFFB on their observations of the forthcoming cyclone season, what is likely to happen, what categorycyclones expected, etc.

Also copying Ambassador Joy so he can also, on his part, alert the UN World Food program in Rome on measures to quickly facilitate support, and possibly assist withpractical assistance on the ground.

Programming of next week’s presentation will be under the leadership of Director DARD with the support of RRU Coordinator and in collaboration with MCC colleagues(DG Jesse copied). Venue, To be confirm.