Amidst rising concerns about increased food prices around the world, government senator Don Wehby is reiterating the need for Jamaica to reduce its food import bill.

Senator Wehby’s statement follows an assurance on Thursday, from Agriculture Minister Pearnel Charles Junior, that the government is aware of the risks to Jamaica’s food security, and is working to mitigate them.

Mr. Charles Junior said his ministry has been working with stakeholders to advance the country’s research and development of alternatives for animal feed, fertilizer and food options.

Speaking this morning at the global launch of the Jamaica 60 diaspora conference, Senator Wehby who is also the CEO of Grace Kennedy limited, noted that Jamaica has acres of arable land, that need to be put into food production.

He encouraged members of the diaspora to make investments in the sector.