Belmopan, October 20, 2023.
Today, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, in collaboration with Orange Walk Technical High School and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), celebrated World Food Day 2023. This year’s activities were celebrated under the theme, “Water is Life, Water is Food – Leave No One Behind,” which underscores the critical role of water in food production and the commitment to ensuring equitable access to food for all.
Present at the opening ceremony and activities were Governor General H.E. Dame Froyla Tzalam; Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food
Security and Enterprise; Servulo Baeza, CEO in the ministry; Armando Aban, FAO National Correspondent for Belize; representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture and Education, and the private sector.
In his remarks, Minister Mai emphasized that water is at the core of the ability to feed the world’s population and is a fundamental element in agriculture. He also highlighted that everyone must protect and manage this resource for the benefit of all, leaving no one behind in the journey towards food security.
World Food Day 2023 engaged primary and secondary school students, educators, and the local community in activities focused on food security, sustainable farming, and agriculture’s essential role in daily lives. The event featured the Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project (Sheep & Goat Project Phase II) which demonstrated achievements including high-quality breeding of sheep and lamb and mutton culinary products.
One of the highlights of today’s activities was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture and Orange Walk Technical High School for the upkeep of a garden unit given to the school by the ministry as part preparations for World Food Day 2023.
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For further information, please contact:
Emilio Montero
Coordinator, National Food & Nutrition Security Commission
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security & Enterprise
emilio.montero@agriculture.gov.bz
822-4197
