By Dr. Gillian Smith- As you shop this holiday season, you’ll find an abundance of enticing food options on every street corner, supermarket, and at local markets. Some locations have more variety than others and of course, prices vary. In this context, the recently published State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO 2024) report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, provides a different and interesting perspective on food. This report examines the impact of food trade on diets and nutrition, offering valuable insights and guidance for making informed purchasing decisions in today’s rapidly evolving global food systems.
In 2023, trade in our global food systems moved more than 3 Billion metric tonnes of food, at a value of USD 2.02 Trillion. Trade enables countries to export foods they produce abundantly and import those made more elsewhere, enhancing the diversity of food year-round and contributing to food security worldwide. International food markets connect people and countries, provide access to a wider variety of foods and ingredients, support incomes for farmers and workers in agriculture and food industries, and utilize the natural resources of countries. Responsible and fair trade is essential for sustainable development, economic growth, social well-being, and environmental care.
Guyana benefits from agricultural exportation, earning USD 283.1 million in 2022. Rice (USD 195.6 million), fish (USD 57.4 million) and sugar (USD) 15.9 million) were key earners, as well as non-traditional crops (USD 14.1 million). According to 2015 data, Guyana produced just under 60% of locally consumed food, making it a net food exporter and recent reports highlight increased production in agriculture, including emerging crops. Guyana is also leading efforts to expand intra-regional food trade in the Caribbean, particularly in fresh fruits and vegetables.
The SOCO 2024 reminds us that one important aspect of trade is that it can double the variety of food available on the local market. Greater variety promotes healthy, diverse diets that meet not only more nutritional requirements but also support varied preferences and tastes.
At the same time, however, we know that international food trade can also triple the accessibility of processed foods available to consumers. Minimally processed foods that are close to their fresh state can be very convenient for meal preparation and support healthy nutrition. Consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are often high in sugars, fats, and calories are linked to obesity, overweight and non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Reports demonstrate a strong link between the increasing income levels in countries and the demand for ultra-processed foods. A 10% increase in income is related to an 11% rise in ultra-processed food imports and a 7% rise in less processed foods like meat, fish, dairy, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.
To avoid potential ill effects from the importation and consumption of ultra-processed foods on national health outcomes, there must be a strong collaboration at the national level, to promote coherence between health and food trade policies. Clear nutrition guidelines and open forums involving government, civil society, and experts can help address nutrition issues in trade agreements, ensuring they support food security, economic growth, and public health.
Coherence in health and trade policies can also be enhanced at the local level by building capacities of trade and health technicians and practitioners. In some countries, food labelling is part of the package of initiatives that are used to inform consumers about nutritional content. Front-of-package labels, recommended by the WHO since 2004, use symbols, warnings, or scores to simplify nutrition information and encourage healthier choices.
Additionally, public nutrition awareness and education is a vital and complementary component that encourages individuals to better understand the implications of what they eat and to make better dietary choices for themselves and their families. Working with the school feeding programme provides an excellent opportunity to promote lifelong healthy eating habits among children and create an environment where healthy diets support healthy lives.
FAO’s objective is to support countries in achieving better nutrition and food security by ensuring that all individuals, at all times, have access to safe, healthy, and affordable diets that align with their aspirations and foster their development. Sustainable food trade is a critical component of this effort.
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Gillian Smith is FAO Representation Guyana, a.i Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago
