The Honorable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Canadian Pacific Economic Development Agency, today issued the following statement:

“Climate change, COVID-19, conflict and economic downturns have increased pressure on global food systems in recent years. And in February 2022, Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine shocked the world’s food and energy systems.

“An estimated 345 million people are currently living in food insecurity and another 50 million are on the brink of starvation. Unfortunately, the global food crisis is being felt the hardest by the most vulnerable people, especially women and girls.

“Canada has made significant new commitments for humanitarian food and nutrition assistance, including $615.5 million allocated in 2022, providing short-term assistance focused on sub-Saharan Africa to partners such as the Food Program world, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. United Nations, UNICEF and Canadian NGOs such as the Canadian Grains Bank.

“While this immediate assistance is vital, we will continue to work with our partners in developing countries to develop longer-term solutions for greater food system resilience with a focus on climate-smart agriculture. , fertilizers, sustainable agri-food value chains, inclusive food system. governance and productive safety nets. Now is the time to achieve better nutrition, biodiversity and climate change outcomes through agriculture. With two-thirds of the world’s smallholder farmers being women, including them in decision-making and shaping solutions is crucial.

“We must find and amplify new ways to increase food productivity, reduce waste, increase incomes equitably, and improve health and nutrition. It is also time to re-examine how to ensure our food system is sustainable and provides safe food for all.

“Over the past two years, Canada has invested more than $1.5 billion in projects where farmers and major multilateral organizations are working to address the underlying causes of the evolving food crisis. world. On World Food Day, as the world shines a spotlight on this pressing issue – ensuring that the most vulnerable have access to enough nutritious and affordable food – Canada will be an active partner in looking for solutions.