They want to transform Panama’s agri-food system

Minister of Development of agriculture (MIDA), Augusto Valderramapresented for analysis and coordination a road plan for the transformation of the agricultural and food systems of Panama.

The aforementioned presentation was held at a meeting with the heads of agencies, funds and programs of the United Nations system in Panama, and the permanent representative of Panama at the FAO, Ambassador Thomas Duncan.

According to MIDA, this document was created on the basis of an exhaustive national public consultation before United Nations Summit on food systems, and the main objective of the meeting was to jointly review progress since the summit and identify key areas of implementation, where synergies and support from the United Nations to government can be achieved.

The minister said that by removing The sixth limitHunger, malnutrition and inequality is one of the main issues implemented by this government, in favor of those who have less, for which they work with laws, subsidies, the Panama Solidarity Plan and strengthened support programs for the agricultural sector. .

Valderrama added that MIDA works hand in hand with the Ministries of Health, Education, Social Development, Public Works and My Environment, among others, to transform Panama’s agri-food systems, supporting producers and communities with these actions; However, he emphasized that the covid-19 pandemic limited these initiatives, as many funds had to be redirected to important social aspects.

Director of Rural Development of MIDA, Jose Bernardo Gonzalezhe said that seven national consultations were carried out and that five strategic actions of the Panamanian government were proposed for progress in improving food, such as: strengthening the family economy, innovation and technology in production, relations with markets, environmental sustainability and climate change, and improving the environment for food security, especially for school-age children.

for his part, Julio Calderonpolitical advisor in Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)said that Panama had more than fulfilled its commitment to the food systems summit by developing an extensive consultation process throughout the country, including a special one with indigenous peoples.

This document will be presented on April 25, during the Sixth Meeting of the Forum of Latin American and Caribbean Countries on Sustainable Development, and a preparatory meeting will be organized for the Stocktaking Moment in Rome, as a follow-up to the Summit on Agri-Food Systems 2021, organized by international groups such as CEPA, FAO, IFAD, UNDPMA; PAHO and WFP.