Government To Launch Wheat Flour Substitution Programme

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be launching a wheat flour substitution programme to combat the global shortage of the commodity and promote healthier eating among Jamaicans. 
• Speaking at the handover ceremony for the ‘Jamaica Food Systems Profile’ by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said, “With the support of the Government of Cuba, [we will be] targeting breadfruit and cassava to create gluten-free flour as a healthy alternative to wheat.” 
• The global wheat shortage has resulted from several factors, including the Russia/Ukraine crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of climate change. 
• Jamaica is one of 50 countries that were included in the assessment carried out under the leadership of governments and in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the French Agricultural Research Centre for Development (CIRAD). 
• Minister Charles said the report will “guide us in determining the plans and policies to be implemented to ensure that the people of Jamaica, and all in our region, have safe, nutritious and adequate supply of food”. 
• FAO Representative for Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize, Dr Crispim Moreira, said the assessment is a “gateway for national dialogue” and can be used to promote investment toward the sustainable transformation of food systems in the country.

(Source: JIS News)