NAIROBI, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Former UN chief Kofi Annan-led the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has lauded the European Union (EU) plan to give 1 billion euros to the farmers in the continent next year to help tackle high food prices and boost output.

    A statement from the AGRA issued in Nairobi Saturday said that the commitment reflected in EU announcement is critical to solving the global food security crisis.

    "The AGRA welcomes the European Union's intention to channel 1 billion euros to African farmers. The commitment reflected in this announcement is critical to solving the global food security crisis," the statement said.

    The EU cash comprises 750 million euros earmarked for 2008 and the remainder for 2009.

    Reports said at least eight EU member countries, including Britain, Sweden and the Netherlands, have questioned the legality of the scheme but have not challenged the merit of the idea.

    EU ministers and the European Parliament, which has also voiced doubts about using unspent EU farm funds, will have to agree to the plan before it can enter into force. The European Commission which has backed the plan would like cash to start flowing in early January 2009.

    But Annan, who serves as AGRA's board chairman, said increasing agricultural productivity in Africa through the immediate provision of inputs from seeds and fertilizers to finance is an important step in generating a strong and rapid response to boost agricultural productivity and increasing economic development.

    "The support of the EU at this critical time is an important step towards improving food security across Africa and a welcome show of solidarity with African smallholder farmers," he said.

    If approved, the money will be channeled to developing countries through international or regional organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Food Program.