Equitable, sustainable transformation of food system a priority for Guyana
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
President Dr. Irfaan Ali

–President Ali says

THE equitable and sustainable transformation of Guyana’s food-production system is a priority of the government, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.

In a pre-recorded message to the United Nations Food System Summit (FSS), President Ali said Guyana’s transformation efforts are rooted in the country’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda.

“We are also wedded to the goals of ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for everyone, the reduction of on-farm and post-harvest waste and loss and the implementation of a circular food economy,” President Ali said.

The President said that the country is also focused on de-risking the agricultural sector, implementing the use of innovative technologies, developing climate-smart practices, and increasing investments in disaster preparedness and response.

In addition, President Ali said that his government is also promoting greater food security by investing in research and development, specifically, in the development of climate-resilient crops and varieties.

Efforts are also in place to diversify agricultural production and catalyse agro-processing, while investments will be made to improve and establish agricultural-supportive infrastructures such as drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market roads and packaging facilities.

President Ali also noted that Guyana will seek to consolidate its National School Feeding Programme with nourishing meals.

To this end, he said: “We are strengthening the linkages and synergies between consumers and food producers, so as to deliver safe, healthy and nutritious school meals. This will also help provide small farmers with a guaranteed market for a portion of their produce.”

The President also highlighted the connection between climate change and food security and pointed to the need for finances for mitigation and adaptation purposes.

He said that ensuring the viability of the food system is central to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“As part of our efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs in the Decade of Action for delivery of the SDGs, this year’s focus on food will play no small part in the global recovery efforts,” President Ali said.

The President further related that the reversal of development gains, the frequency of extreme weather and economic contraction are some of the daunting challenges confronting both the developed and developing countries and that the only difference lies in the nations’ capabilities to respond to those challenges.

He said: “This summit can help narrow these gaps. It also presents an opportunity to contribute to efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, address the climate crisis, and promote resilient and sustainable futures. By focusing on solutions and transformative actions, we are collectively laying a good foundation to sustain momentum on food security.” (Office of the President)

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