Dominican Republic hosts the 11th Meeting of the SPAA Network to strengthen regional food security
Santo Domingo became the epicenter of food security in Latin America and the Caribbean by inaugurating the XI Meeting of the Network of Public Food Supply and Marketing Systems (Red SPAA). This international gathering, which is taking place from August 11 to 14, brings together representatives from 15 nations with the goal of exchanging key strategies to improve the supply and marketing of basic products in the region.
The event organization is led by the Price Stabilization Institute (INESPRE), with the fundamental support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the governments of the Dominican Republic and Brazil. The Dominican venue takes on special relevance following the international recognition received by the country for achieving significant progress in the fight against hunger.
The role of local governments in the supply chain
During the opening, the mayor of the National District, Carolina Mejía, underscored the importance of municipal management in the effectiveness of food policies. The official highlighted that, given that the majority of the population in the region resides in urban environments, the role of cities is decisive in ensuring that products reach families at fair prices.
There is nothing more important for a human being, for a head of a household, than the guarantee that they have food on their table.
Carolina Mejía, Mayor of the National District
Mejía emphasized that local governments are not mere observers, but the final link that guarantees the success of the distribution chain, from transportation to neighborhood markets.
Global challenges and international cooperation
Rodrigo Castañeda, FAO representative in the country, pointed out that the meeting is being held at a critical moment marked by climate change, geopolitical tensions, and persistent inflation. According to Castañeda, public supply systems act as a necessary state policy to reduce price volatility and protect family farming against market failures.
For his part, the executive director of INESPRE, David Herrera Díaz, highlighted that these work sessions will allow for the consolidation of a robust regional agenda. “These tools are fundamental to face inflation and guarantee sustainable access to food in a context of global uncertainty,” affirmed Herrera Díaz.
Participating countries and strategic objectives
- Delegations present: Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic.
- Focus: Analysis of public policies, best practices, and innovative strategies to strengthen supply systems.
- Goal: To foster more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems that benefit both local producers and urban consumers.
The event also features the participation of experts from Brazilian institutions, who seek to consolidate the SPAA Network as a permanent space for technical cooperation, ensuring that food and nutritional security continues to be a priority on the development agenda for all of Latin America.
