27 January 2016: The members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) approved a declaration reaffirming their commitment to implement the CELAC Plan for Food and Nutrition Security and the Eradication of Hunger 2025, and reiterating their request for support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO).

The declaration was adopted during the fourth CELAC Summit, held from 24-27 January 2016, in Quito, Ecuador. It recognizes the importance of family farming for food and nutrition security, and stresses policies encouraged by the CELAC Plan, such as conditional cash transfer programmes, improved labor markets and strengthened support for family farming. FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva acknowledged the region’s commitment, noting that the CELAC Plan addresses hunger and forms of malnutrition, including obesity which has been increasing at an alarming rate in the region.

Originally approved in January 2015, the CELAC Plan aims to achieve nutritional well-being of all groups, especially vulnerable populations. It outlines policies and successful practices as elements for a regional road map towards eradicating hunger. The Plan is based on four pillars addressing: the coordination of strategies; timely and sustainable access to safe and nutritious food; nutritional well-being and assurance of nutrients for all vulnerable groups; and stable production and timely attention to disasters that can affect food availability.

The Plan was developed with the support of FAO, the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). [FAO Press Release] [ECLAC Plan for Food and Nutrition Security and the Eradication of Hunger 2025] [CELAC Summit 2016 Website]