In his address on Monday at the opening ceremony of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) 38th Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC38), Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha underscored the pivotal role of the FAO in advancing the sustainability of the regional agri-food system.
Minister Mustapha noted the FAO’s indispensable assistance in developing a comprehensive early warning system for multiple hazards in the sector and facilitating access to credit and insurance. He highlighted also, FAO’s potential in enhancing water management, fortifying the food supply chain, boosting trade, and fostering the adoption of digital innovations and relevant technology.
As the region collaborates closely with FAO, Minister Mustapha stressed the importance of aligning the organization’s regional priorities and strategic endeavors with national and regional policies to bolster capabilities and knowledge.
He explained that the transition of the conference into the ministerial segment is set to foster even greater cooperation, strategies, and essential topics including sustainability, transformation, and food security, while addressing climate change issues for future plans.
Minister Mustapha emphasised, “There is a need to improve initiative, financial support, and concrete action to increase the resilience and sustainability of the agri-food system to overcome the impacts of climate change and food insecurity in light of the region’s high vulnerability.”
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali is currently leading the charge in championing the concept of regional food system transformation. In fact, Guyana has initiated several impactful projects to ensure that sustainable agriculture remains a fundamental pillar for national and regional development. These initiatives include the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), hydroponics projects, corn and soybean production, zinc-enriched biofortified rice production, shrimp and prawn cultivation, and advancements in the livestock sector, among others.
Minister Mustapha noted that these measures and investments are crucial for providing a healthy and affordable diet for all while strategically aiming to significantly reduce the region’s US$6 billion food importation bill by 2025. He reiterated that large infrastructural projects are underway to create the necessary framework for farmers, highlighting Guyana’s vibrant leadership in transforming the region’s agriculture food system in collaboration with FAO’s regional and global efforts.
The regional conference is being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, from March 18 to 21.
