Agricultural agency launches new logo |18 October 2011
It was revealed by Minister for Investment, Natural Resources and Industry Peter Sinon during a ceremony held at the School of Education, Mont Fleuri yesterday, coinciding with World Food Day which fell on Sunday.
Present at the launch were former Vice-President Joseph Belmont, ministers, principal secretary for investment and natural resources Michael Nalletamby and for industry Lucy Athanasius, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Seychelles Dr Rolph Payet.
Others were SAA chief executive Antoine-Marie Moustache, staff of the agency and other government officials.
The three circles on the logo represents three elements of agriculture – fruit, vegetables
The bigger circle, which is yellow-orange in colour, represents the sun – the energy source needed for agriculture. There is also water at the centre. The idea of agriculture moving forward is also represented in the logo.
Other colours used in the logo are blue (representing water), brown (for livestock and soil), green (for vegetation) and yellow (for the sun).
This year’s theme for World Food Day declared by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is “Food Prices - From Crisis to stability”.
In his opening address, Mr Sinon said in this time of uncertainty about food prices, its escalating trends, shortages of supply, speculations, export bans and the resulting socio-economic as well as political unrests make this theme apt and very timely.
He said the government and the private sector have reacted proactively to invest in the agricultural sector to enhance local food and nutritive security.
“It has become clearly evident that to mitigate against the escalation of food prices, compounded by the scourge of piracy, we need to significantly improve our local food productivity,” he said.
Mr Sinon added that imported foods shall always feature as an essential component of Seychelles’ food security agenda.
“But to reduce the level of our dependency and improve our food and nutritive security we simply need to think innovatively, embrace the appropriate technology and invest in order to enhance our productivity,” he said.
“We simply cannot afford to sit back and be satisfied with the current ratio of 78% v/s 12% import over locally produced food that we consume.”
Mr Sinon said it is clear that improving agricultural productivity in Seychelles will require significant political leadership, key stakeholder buy-in, among other aspects.
He added that the link between agriculture, food and tourism is getting closer, creating opportunities such as agricultural tourism.
During the ceremony, those present heard the international and local World Food Day message and were given an overview of the agency’s development strategy.
Those who have served the longest years in their profession were rewarded. The recipients have been working in the agricultural sector since 1975 until now and have spent 20 to 35 years in their profession.
Pierre Young is the longest serving member of staff, with 35 years in the profession while Lydia Chang Sam, John Rigodon, Wilven Payet and Andre Labrosse have all dedicated 30 years of service.
Mr Sinon was later joined by Messrs Nalletamby, Moustache and Young for a symbolic tree planting of fruit trees at the School of Education.
The domestic theme for this World Food Day 2011 was – For a more dynamic food and nutritive productivity and security for Seychelles.