Residents of the Virgin Islands will have an opportunity to be educated on ways to reduce poverty and hunger, the agricultural benefits and usage of the Sargassum Seaweed as well as participate in food tasting today Friday, October 16, as part of the observance of World Food Day (WFD).

The Department of Agriculture will host a ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Central Administration Complex, Breeze Way. The day will be observed under the theme, “Social Protection and Agriculture: Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty.”

Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer, Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes said, “World Food Day is an opportunity for the department to focus on agricultural food production by agricultural producers and the wider community. The ultimate aim is to stimulate a national effort towards strengthening food security.”

Mrs. Fahie-Forbes added, “It is a time when the entire world consciously gives focus to the understanding of problems and solutions in the drive to end world hunger. We join our counterparts as a part of the solution in our community because when it comes to hunger the only acceptable number is zero.”

The Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer said, “The Department of Agriculture, is the agency responsible for the continued growth and expansion of the agricultural sector and we will continue to champion the goal of the WFD. Increasing the production and distribution of food locally will aid in ending hunger within the Territory.” 

The WFD celebration will feature a thanksgiving ceremony with remarks by Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering and the Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer.

Additionally, a compilation of local dishes and fruits will be available and educational sessions on the usages and benefits of Sargassum Seaweed in backyard gardens will be made available to attendees.

World Food Day is an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and has been observed globally on October 16 for the past 35 years.