Food Sovereignty and Bolivarian Resistance: Venezuela at the Forefront of the FAO Summit

Venezuela’s ambassador to the FAO, Marilyn Di Lucca, opened the event by emphasizing how, despite severe unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States and its allies, Venezuela has turned an economic crisis into an opportunity to reinvent itself. "We are not here just to reflect on the past," the ambassador declared, "but to plan the future of a country that, with initiatives like urban agriculture and sustainable production, is reclaiming its economic and social destiny."

One of the most discussed projects was urban agriculture, which is transforming unused lots into productive community gardens. These projects, which are spreading across many Venezuelan cities, not only strengthen food self-sufficiency but also symbolize resistance against the international economic blockade. The conuco, an ancient indigenous agricultural practice involving crop rotation and the use of natural fertilizers, has been combined with modern technologies to ensure sustainable production even in a hostile economic context.

Venezuela has indeed found in the crisis an opportunity to promote a production model that blends traditional practices with technological innovation. This model goes beyond food production, serving as a political act of rebellion against economic imperialism. Caring for the environment, producing healthy food, and building community spaces through agriculture have become tools to reaffirm the Venezuelan people's sovereignty and dignity.

The Venezuelan delegation at the meeting, composed of experts in nutrition, public health management, and sustainable gastronomy, highlighted how the measures adopted in the country go beyond mere subsistence. The Venezuelan approach aims to build an equitable and inclusive development model that places people and the environment at its core. Notable figures, such as nutritionist Reinaldo Gomez and public health management specialist Engineer Emir Navarro, shared experiences of sustainable gastronomy that respects natural resources.

A key theme of the meeting was the importance of food as a right. Ambassador Di Lucca stressed that in Venezuela, food is not treated as a commodity but as an inalienable right of all citizens. In contrast to capitalist models, where access to food can be used as a tool of coercion, Venezuela aims to ensure food security for all, regardless of economic status.

During the event, Geraldina Colotti also provided space for the testimonies of the organizations present, which shared similar experiences of resistance and self-sufficiency in both agriculture and sustainable production. Colotti highlighted the importance of creating an international network for exchanging experiences and solidarity, which can strengthen social movements in their fight against global economic oppression.

The meeting took place in the context of profound political and social changes in Venezuela, where the Bolivarian government, led by Nicolás Maduro, continues to face internal and external challenges. While the opposition tries to exploit the country's economic difficulties, the Bolivarian revolution has maintained its commitment to the most vulnerable classes through state welfare programs and social policies inspired by the ideals of Commander Hugo Chávez. Among the most recent measures implemented by the Venezuelan government is the strengthening of the CLAP (Local Supply and Production Committees), which play a crucial role in ensuring the distribution of food and essential goods to communities particularly affected by sanctions.

Despite the challenges posed by the economic crisis, the Maduro government continues to pursue a policy of food self-sufficiency and sovereignty, following the Bolivarian path of regional integration and solidarity among peoples. In this sense, strengthening ties with allied countries and social movements, as demonstrated during this meeting, is strategic for continuing to challenge the isolation imposed by imperialist powers.

Bolivarian diplomacy, based on Simón Bolívar’s principles of Latin American integration and the self-determination of peoples, continues to play a fundamental role in the global geopolitical scenario. Venezuela has never ceased to seek alliances with other oppressed and developing countries, strengthening relations with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba to counter the economic and political pressure exerted by the United States and the European Union.

In this scenario, Venezuela’s contribution to the discussion on alternative productive models represents not only a response to internal difficulties but also a proposal for global change. The Bolivarian vision continues to emphasize the concept of the "Patria Grande" of Latin America – a community of nations united not only by geography but by shared ideals of freedom, social justice, and self-determination.

The event concluded with warm applause, marking another step towards building a fairer, more sustainable, and solidarity-driven future, in line with the legacy of the Bolivarian revolution.