Leal Tellería reiterated that food must be universal and not commodified. | Photo: @CancilleriaVE

Caracas, June 16 (RHC)-- Venezuela's Minister for Food, Carlos Leal Tellería, has asked in the framework of the 42nd Session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to intercede for the cessation of the illegal economic, financial and trade sanctions suffered by his country in order to comply with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has applied persecution, extortion and blockade, to prevent Venezuela from accessing resources, goods and essential services to meet the needs of its population," denounced Minister Leal Tellería.

The Venezuelan official recalled that before 2015, the South American country was recognized for its progress in access to food for all social sectors, "the measures have generated the fall in food imports by 83.7 percent," he noted.

"International procurement of raw materials, finished products and inputs for agricultural production have also fallen. As well as sanctions to most international and national companies supplying food to the country," explained Leal Tellería.

During his speech, the Minister acknowledged that in spite of the economic, financial and commercial persecution against Venezuela, the government has promoted social programs that contribute to guarantee food. 

Leal Tellería stated that the Local Supply and Production Committees (CLAP) benefit more than 74 percent of the families, as well as the School Food Program (PAE) that guarantees at least 80 percent of the food for children and adolescents in schools.

Finally, Leal Tellería reiterated that food must be universal and non-commercialized.  "In Venezuela, we are convinced that only through cooperation and solidarity can we move towards sustainable agrifood models."