Governor assents Food Security & Sustainability Act 2022

During a press conference on August 26, 2022, Premier Wheatley announced that the Food Security and Sustainability Act 2022 received royal assent, adding that the territory now officially has a new legal framework within which to advance agriculture.

He said now that the Act is law, Government is moving hastily to establish the Agriculture and Fisheries Authority to manage the sector as stated in the Act.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who has responsibility for agriculture, said now that the Food Security and Sustainability Act 2022 received royal assent, Government is moving hastily to establish the Agriculture and Fisheries Authority to manage the sector as stated in the Act.

Leasing land to farmers

Premier Wheatley added that another important step is Government is taking to advance agriculture is to formalise the process of issuing land leases to farmers at Paraquita Bay.

“In the weeks ahead, Cabinet will approve an official process that will provide our farmers with the legal certainty they require to continue to confidently farming the land.”

Water shortage to be addressed

In addition, Dr Wheatley said his Government is in the process of making funds available for infrastructural development that will help to facilitate farming, especially access to water.

“Among other things, the House of Assembly will soon approve a Supplementary Appropriation Bill (SAP) that will fund the construction of a reservoir at Paraquita Bay as well as equipment to pump water from our wells.

“These steps will improve our hardworking farmers ability to produce food for our people, especially as we see prices continue to rise due to inflation,” Dr Wheatley said.