Venezuelan neighbors to get millions in food aid

Venezuelan Agriculture Minister Elias Jaua said on Tuesday his oil-rich country would give $2 million grants to 18 Caribbean and Central American countries to buy fertilizer for the coming growing season. The grants are part of a Venezuelan-led program to form a multinational company among the so-called PetroCaribe group of nations to produce and distribute food. Jaua made his announcement at a Havana meeting to map out plans for the food venture, which Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said would 'create a shield against hunger' in the face of rising food prices. The grants were a protective step to help the countries until the company is operating, Jaua said. 'We have decided to assign an initial $2 million to each member country for the joint purchase of fertilizer for the most urgent needs of the coming planting season,' Jaua said.