Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha emphasized the critical need for collective action to ensure food security in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
This call was made during the second ministerial meeting of the Community of Latin America and the Caribbean States (CELAC), where Ministers of Agriculture and high-level officials engaged in discussions related to the Food Security and Nutrition Plan.
Minister Mustapha highlighted the alarming statistics on food security in the region, coupled with the vulnerabilities to the negative impacts of climate change.
Emphasizing the importance of collective efforts, he urged member states to work together to address challenges and ensure regional food security.
Guyana’s commitment to promoting inclusion and empowering various groups, including young people, women, and differently-abled individuals through effective instruments to strengthen family farming, was reiterated by Minister Mustapha.
In terms of implementing trade policies for economic inclusion, the Minister expressed agreement with the view that intra-regional food trade can serve as a powerful instrument to ensure the Right to Adequate Food for a hunger-free region.
Highlighting the crucial role of adequate financing in implementing the Food Security and Nutrition (FSN) Plan, Minister Mustapha emphasized the importance of public investment in food security and nutrition by every member state.
This financial commitment is deemed critical for the successful execution of the FSN Plan across the region.
The ministerial meeting provided a platform for regional collaboration and discussions on strategies to address food security challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the Latin America and Caribbean region.