Food Security In Trinidad And Tobago

What exactly is Food Security?

We have all heard this term being used, especially when the pandemic started but do we fully understand what it means? Let’s break it down. Food security refers to the ability of a nation to provide food for the entire population locally; meaning without imported food. According to the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) the goal for food security in Trinidad and Tobago is to, “‘create a food secure nation’ by providing access to adequate, nutritious, safe and affordable food to all people at all times” (CARDI 2015). 


Figure 1: Showing Tunapuna market by TripAdvisor


Where are we in our quest for Food Security? 

Currently, Trinidad and Tobago does not have sufficient food security. As a nation we would not be able to support all our citizens based on our current agricultural output. In 2019, Trinidad and Tobago spent $5.67 billion in food imports. According to the Trade Minister, Paula Gopee-Scoon, “Of that amount, $1.1 billion each was spent on cereals and fruits and vegetables. We spend TT$180 million on biscuits, bread and pastries and TT$28 million on mixes and doughs” (Radhica De Silva 2020). This list only accounts for approximately 20% of food imports. Other major sources of food import include dairy, poultry, and meat items just to name a few. 

Figure 2: Showing the Breakdown of the 2019 Food Import Bill by Nirvana Rajaram


Is this necessary?

Cereals and Grains (such as wheat, rye, barley) cannot be produced in Trinidad and Tobago therefore it must be imported, however, there are local alternatives we can turn to. These include cassava flour, coconut flour, cassava, and dasheen cereals (NFM 2020). With regards to fruit and vegetable imports, the quantity being imported can be significantly reduced by buying locally grown produce and investing more into sustainable agricultural practices such as hydroponics which saves water, soil and can be done in areas with spatial confinements. Enjoying local, seasonal fruits and vegetables during the peak seasons means that it would be cost-effective (cheaper), and the consumer will receive the tastiest produce possible. In terms of biscuits, bread, and pastries, it is extremely unnecessary to import these products. In Trinidad and Tobago, there are many bakeries and professional chefs that can produce quality items that will be made fresh daily or made to order. Some examples of these companies are Bermudez Group Limited (biscuits and snacks), and renowned local bakeries such as Kiss Baking Company, Bakery Treatz, Linda’s Bakery, Adam’s Bagels, and more (Bread, Pastries, Cakes). By making these simple adjustments we can cut our import bill by at least 15% and possibly reduce the cost of living. 

Figure 3: Showing a Hydroponic system by Aquatik Solutions


What more do you think we can do to reduce our Food Import Bill?


References:
De Silva, Radhica. 2020. "$2B Spent On Cereals, Fruits, Vegetables". Guardian.Co.Tt.                       https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2b-spent-on-cereals-fruits- vegetables-6.2.1233995.b656486820

 Flemming, Kistian, Annika Minott, Heidi Jack, Kerrn Richards, and Opal Morris. 2015. "Innovative      Community-Based Agriculture: A Strategy For National Food Production And Security".           Cardi.Org. http://www.cardi.org/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2015/09/Innovative-community-           based- agriculture-strategy-for-national-food-prod-and-security-by-CARDI.pdf. 

"NFM Offers Cassava Flour And Coconut Flour - NFM". 2020. NFM.                                                      https://www.nfm.co.tt/releases/nfm-offers-cassava-flour-and-coconut-flour/.

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