ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, October 17th, 2011 – Today the Territory joined the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO of the UN) to observe World Food Day 2011, with a ceremony and presentation.
World Food Day was observed worldwide on October 16. However, the Department of Agriculture observed this event with various activities planned under the theme, “Food Prices – From Crisis to Stability”, which concluded today.Chief Agricultural Officer of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Bevin Braithwaite delivered remarks at the ceremony, he said, “We as a Territory should buy as much local produce that is available. When we shop locally, we reduce our import bill so that funds stay and circulate here in the British Virgin Islands”.
Mr. Braithwaite continued, “Farmers’ have the pivotal role of supplying food, so when consumers demand more, farmers are encouraged to increase supply, bringing a balance to the demand and supply theory”.
“We can work together to increase our food security by increasing the food that we produce. While Government is working towards increasing food production through the greenhouses, we strongly encourage our fellow Virgin Islanders to have backyard gardens, community gardens and school gardens that they can harvest agricultural produce”, the Chief encouraged.
“We know that our food prices have been increasing and the supply of local food is adequate to ensure food security but we can truly seek for an atmosphere of food security if the entire BVI community supports local agriculture”, Mr. Braithwaite urged residents.
A sermonette was delivered by Pastor Howard Simon, performances by Paradise Pre-School students and the Staff of the Conservation and Fisheries Department and an award was presented to the 2012 Farmers’ Week theme winner, Ms. April Glasgow.
The presentation began after the ceremony featuring displays, informational packages, and tastings of rabbit, mutton, and sweet gourd.
Activities held in observance of World Food Day included the sponsoring of a Morning Quiz and the airing of the “Word of the Day” on ZBVI 780 AM, appearances on the GIS Radio Report and Marlene’s Kitchen radio programme.
The Territory’s first observance of World Food Day was in 2009. World Food Day was established in 1979 by the FAO of the UN. FAO of the UN leads international efforts to defeat hunger, serving both developed and developing countries.
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British Virgin Islands News