Theme: “Hand in Hand for a Better Food and a Better Future”
Today, we join the global community in commemorating the 45th observance of World Food Day, a moment that unites humanity around one of our most fundamental needs food. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations an institution that has, for eight decades, led international efforts to defeat hunger, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural development across the world.
The 2025 theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” calls upon us to reflect on our shared responsibility in building a food secured Seychelles. It reminds us that no single individual, organization can achieve this alone progress depends on partnership, solidarity, and collective action.
As we mark this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the bonds between farmers and consumers, between communities and nations, and between people and the planet. This year’s theme speaks directly to our national vision for food security and food sovereignty ensuring that every Seychellois has access to affordable, nutritious, and safe food, while empowering our nation to produce enough to sustain itself in times of uncertainty.
Global conflicts, and the climate crisis have all shown how fragile food systems can be. For Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Seychelles, which are geographically isolated and heavily reliant on imports, these disruptions are felt even more deeply. Rising transportation and energy costs, limited arable land, and dependency on global supply chains present ongoing challenges. Yet, these same realities also reinforce the importance of resilience, innovation, and local empowerment.
Working hand in hand means valuing the dedication of our farmers and fisherman, protecting the natural ecosystems that sustain us, and ensuring that every table across our islands is filled with nourishment, dignity, and hope. It means fostering innovation while respecting traditional practices, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
In alignment with this vision, the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE), together with our partners, has undertaken several initiatives aimed at transforming and modernizing our food systems:
- The establishment and operationalization of a hydroponic greenhouse at the Seychelles Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH). This state-of-the-art facility serves as a platform for innovation, research, and learning — benefiting both students and registered farmers through hands-on demonstrations and trials.
- Construction of the La Retraite and Anse Boileau District Markets, which aim to provide modern, accessible spaces for farmers to market their produce and connect directly with consumers.
- Renovation of the Bulk Store and Requisites Store, improving the efficiency of agricultural input distribution and ensuring farmers have timely access to seeds, fertilizers, and other critical resources.
- Upgrading of the Red-Line Abattoir at Cap Samy, Praslin, to improve hygiene, animal welfare, and marketing standards for red meat production.
- Renovation of the Agriculture Extension Service Building at Beolière, Mahé, enhancing the working environment for staff and improving the delivery of advisory services to the farming community.
These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening local food production, improving market access, and building a more resilient and self-sustaining agricultural sector.
As FAO marks its 80th anniversary, we are reminded of its enduring mission — to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
Let this World Food Day serve as an inspiration for all of us — governments, private sector actors, farmers, youth, educators, and citizens alike to work hand in hand towards a more sustainable food system.
May this celebration remind us that the path to food security, health, and prosperity lies in unity, innovation, and compassion. Together — hand in hand — we can ensure better food and a better future for all.
Thank you.