World Food Day: Private sector role under spotlight

Tuesday, 16 October 2018 00:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Following is the message of Representative to Sri Lanka and the Maldives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Nina Brandstrup to mark World Food Day. World Food Day 2018 provides an opportunity to reflect on some of the actions necessary to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2, Zero Hunger, by 2030

Governments need to take the responsibility for creating the necessary policy, legal, institutional and fiscal environment for sustainable agriculture, social protection, good nutrition, health and education.

Farmers and other primary food producers, large and small, must produce more, and more diverse food more effectively, using less inputs and reducing post-harvest losses, while at the same time adapting to climate change.

People must examine their individual and family food habits and lifestyles, reducing household waste, favoring healthy and nutritious foods of good quality and matching food quantities to activity levels.

The private sector has a particular role to play as the interphase between government, farmers, agri-business and the consumers. Investment in sustainable food production facilitates the expansion of modern technologies and good practices.

The active contribution of private enterprises to reducing food waste optimises the use of natural resources and increases not only their own income, but also that of producers while making more food available on the market.

Responsible advertisement and correct labelling provides the information necessary to consumers to allow them to make the right nutritional choices.

#ZeroHunger by 2030 is possible if we have the will and the determination to act now.