Dominican Republic hosts the XI Meeting of the Network of Public Food Supply and Marketing Systems
With the presence of President Luis Abinader, the 11th Meeting of the Network of Public Food Supply and Marketing Systems (Red SPAA) began in the country. This important regional meeting has the main objective of strengthening the institutions in charge of the distribution and sale of basic products in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The event, which will span four days, is coordinated by the Price Stabilization Institute (INESPRE) with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the collaboration of the Dominican and Brazilian governments.
Commitment to Zero Hunger
During the sessions, the Dominican authorities will present the strategies implemented to advance towards the Zero Hunger goal, a recognition granted to the country by the FAO. President Abinader highlighted that this achievement is the result of a coordinated effort between government institutions, underscoring the key role of INESPRE and the fundamental contribution of national producers.
This is not a finish line, this is a new starting point. Our responsibility does not end with reaching a new indicator; our obligation is to ensure that no economic crisis, no climatic phenomenon, no disruption of international markets makes us fall back.
Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic
An environment of global challenges
FAO representatives and international experts emphasized the relevance of this conclave at a time marked by climate instability, geopolitical tensions, and food inflation. According to Rodrigo Castañeda, FAO representative in the country, public supply systems are vital for correcting market failures, reducing price volatility, and protecting family farming.
Meeting objectives
- Exchange of experiences: Analyze public policies and innovative strategies among participating nations.
- Food security: Identify concrete actions to improve the availability and access to food in urban and peri-urban areas.
- Regional cooperation: Consolidate the SPAA Network as a permanent space for mutual learning to combat hunger.
The event features the participation of delegations from Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and the host nation. The working sessions, which will conclude on August 14, seek to foster strategic alliances between governments, civil society, and the private sector to build more resilient and sustainable food systems.
For his part, David Herrera Díaz, executive director of INESPRE, highlighted that these tools are essential to face current economic challenges and ensure that access to quality food is a sustainable right for the entire population.
