Demand for agricultural commodities are on the rise

Prof. Dr. Ahsen Işık Özgüven, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies of Cyprus International University (CIU), stated that World Food Day 2024 is themed “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future” and noted that various events will be organized throughout the year to contribute to everyone's access to safe and nutritious food around the world.

Özgüven stated that according to the data released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO), the world population is expected to exceed 9 billion in 2050, and that this situation will further increase the need for agricultural production.

Reminding that agriculture is an indispensable sector in all countries, regardless of their level of prosperity, Özgüven said, “The path to healthy nutrition and development is through production. However, it is not only production but also the quality of production that includes food safety and that this production is delivered to all people in a fair manner.”

Özgüven also emphasized that it is important for the whole world to have access to sufficient and safe food from farm to table, and said, “In order to create awareness on this issue, education starting from kindergarten should be given, and awareness projects on food and food safety by relevant offices, civil society and private organizations should be performed.”

Özgüven stated that farmers all over the world produce enough food to feed more than the global population, but hunger continues, and shared the information that "According to FAO data, approximately 733 million people in the world are facing hunger due to repeated adverse weather conditions, conflicts, economic declines, inequality and pandemics."

Özgüven also pointed out that many people today cannot afford healthy foods, and said, “While more vulnerable people often have to buy basic foods that can be unhealthy or of low quality, others cannot access fresh or diverse foods.”

Özgüven stated that it is important for governments, as decision-makers, to work together with non-governmental organizations and farmers to solve the problem so that healthy food can be delivered to everyone in a fair manner.