Agriculture Month begins tomorrow

Sep 30, 2008 News

…coincides with commissioning of FAO office 
In recognition of the national implications of soaring food prices and climatic impacts on the world food supply, all affecting prices of commodities locally, Guyana is preparing to begin its celebration of Agriculture Month 2008.
Under the theme, ‘Growing More for Food Security,’ the agricultural sector will take centre stage during the month.
One of the highlights of the celebrations will be the commissioning of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s office in Guyana on October 16, the day when the world will be celebrating ‘World Food Day.’

Highlighting some of the activities for the month, Joslyn McKenzie, Co-chairman of this year’s activities, said that the celebrations will begin with the commissioning of the Parika Agro-packaging facility tomorrow.
The official launching of Agriculture Month will coincide with this commissioning ceremony. Up to last year, Guyana observed Agriculture Week in which was accommodated the observation of World Food Day.
“Every year the Ministry has a number of activities to celebrate this month…this year will mark the 28th observance of World Food Day, which is celebrated on October 16 each year,” McKenzie said.
In Guyana’s case, McKenzie noted, cognizant of the fiscal importance of agriculture on the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and food security, it was decided to dedicate the entire month as ‘Agriculture Month.’ The theme for this year’s World Food Day celebrations is ‘World food security, the challenges of Climate Change and Bio-energy.’
Climate Change, he noted, affects everyone worldwide, and it is expected that the worst hit will be the millions of persons who are small- scale farmers, fishers and forest dependent people who are already vulnerable or insecure. In Guyana, climate change will affect the country in many ways, including land, water, bio-diversity, fisheries and agriculture resources.
The greatest impact would be the country’s ability to provide food for its people. The celebrations will include a number of activities planned in all ten regions. The agriculture programmes within the schools will be rejuvenated during the month-long celebrations.
Among the activities for the month will be a research conference, Forestry Open Day, launching of the agricultural diversification project, and a farmers exchange programme.