CARICOM moves to tackle food security Guyana

Guyana (CMC):

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ministers of trade and economics have endorsed a Regional Food and Nutrition Security Policy and Action Plan, according to a statement issued by the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat.

It said that the adoption of the policy is being hailed as one of the successes of the just-concluded Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development held in Grenada.

The policy, which will be presented to the CARICOM Heads of Government at their Intersessional Meeting early next year, is geared at addressing the major food and nutrition security challenges in the community.

"It is aimed at achieving the four basic elements of food security: food availability; food access; proper utilisation for good health, nutrition and well-being; and stable and sustainable food supplies at all times," the secretariat said.

It said that against the background of the effects of the rising food prices and the current economic crisis, a Technical Working Group assessed the region's food security constraints and opportunities, and identified national priorities and areas where regional action could be taken to add value to the food security thrust.