Congratulations to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for celebrating 42 consecutive years of World Food Day. Each year, over 150 countries join together in recognizing the importance of the day by raising awareness around the improvement of our collective agri-food systems.

Boasting as the number 1 source of employment in the world, agri-food systems provide jobs for 1 billion people, and so it is essential to ensure there is food security and sustainability.

Now more than ever, as a result of climate change and the ongoing pandemic, our food systems are being disrupted and more than three billion people are unable to afford a healthy diet. To address this, a unified and deliberate approach is necessary.

Rebuilding our economies following this COVID-19 crisis creates an opportunity for us to transform our national and global food systems ensuring there is greater resilience to unforeseen crises, agricultural and economic disruptions. 

Today presents the platform for us to discuss challenges, strategies and opportunities for sustainable development. That is why we join in supporting and celebrating this year’s theme ‘Our Actions are our Future-Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life’.

Jamaica consists of over 220,000 farmers and 26,000 fishers; who are resilient and strong. Every day we are reminded by the quality and quantity of our food of the unconditional work our local farmers put in to ensure that they produce and provide food for our nation.

As a government, we celebrate and support our farmers who aren’t just producers, but are in fact, our food heroes. Our farmers ensure that we have fresh, nutritious food to eat. They ensure that our economy continues to move forward, even in the face of these unprecedented times.

Indeed, Brand Jamaica is what it is; renowned, loved and highly sought after, due to the input of our farmers. Our authentic Jamaican food is a large portion of our culture and the world appreciates our unique taste profiles, our unique produce, and our unique foods. Because of our farmers, we are a country poised for wealth and development by means of our agriculture sector. Farmers, we salute you, we support you and we thank you!

As we celebrate World Food Day, I wish to commend all participating countries, individuals and groups who continue to work together towards achieving our zero hunger goal by 2030.

Happy World Food Day 2021!

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