Food Security

Food security is defined as the availability of food and one's access to it. A household is considered food secure when its occupants do not live in hunger or fear of starvation. Stages of food insecurity range from food secure situations to full-scale famine.

The recent late opening of the Farmers & Artisans market by the Cricket Ground in George Town was a huge success and the support for the market keeps getting better every year. Agriculture of all kinds is on the rise in Cayman right now, as the market for healthy, fresh, locally-grown food continues to grow. People are finding out that local fruits are just better tasting that imported food, which is subjected to more chemicals and isn’t nearly so fresh.

The fabulous displays at market not only left many persons staring in awe, but also stimulated the thought patterns of potential farmers.

With the cost of food supplies increasing on a regular basis individuals are seriously considering cultivating their own food supplies in their back yard gardens. This tradition has existed for many years but may have been neglected as the Cayman Islands prospered with its Banking Industry.

The freshness of these local products and the ability to grow them easily is reason enough for homeowners to start thinking about securing food supplies and also affordable price levels that must be contained.

The construction and operation of the farmers market in Georgetown is another indication that the Government supports the cultivation of local produce and we encourage readers to do the same. Buying local produce if you are not able to create your own backyard garden will increase the demand and encourage the supermarkets to purchase from local farmers thereby stimulating the local economy.

Food security is everybody’s business and whether you are a consumer or farmer this task is surely yours.