A new series of op-eds in The Royal Gazette,starting today, will highlight the importance of Bermudians being in control of their own food supply.

Farmers, activists, community leaders and residents are set to take turns discussing food sovereignty over the coming months.

Aaron Crichlow, the founder of community-focused charity — Bermuda is Love, is kicking things off today in his article — Why Food Sovereignty Matters for Bermuda.

He describes the issue, talks about transforming the way we look and food and calls on members of the community to come forward and have their say.

“Food sovereignty means that people have the right to control their own food systems, such as how food is grown, how it is distributed and how it nourishes the community,” Mr Crichlow explains.

Talking about the campaign, he said: “I think a lot of Bermudians will recognise the cost of living is a big problem in their lives. Many people feel it.

“Bermuda imports 90 per cent of its food. Many people will have heard that, but it’s about talking about what steps need to be taken to lower it.

“I think there’s around 700 acres dedicated to farming, and less than half of that is being used. “It’s all about trying to raise awareness.”

Mr Crichlow, 30, explained that the Food Sovereignty Forum was about trying to connect the dots on the problem, the solutions and how people can get more involved.

“The forum and the Government cannot do it all. If we all come together as an island we can achieve.”

On the issue of food security, Mr Crichlow added: “People should definitely be aware of the realities of the world that we live in.

“A lot of people were very concerned during (the) Covid-19 (pandemic). Then it got heightened again when (US president Donald)Trump had his alleged tariffs.”

He said that it was not about being fearful of a shipment failing to arrive but instead “being able to control our own destiny”.

He added: “Food is one of the fundamental parts of being alive and living and, because of that, we should be more concerned about the daily interactions we have with food.”

The lawyer and philosopher founded Bermuda is Love in 2020 aiming to address social and economic inequality issues.

He said: “For me, and the work we do at Bermuda is Love, it’s about advocating for food as a basic human right.

“The larger picture is: we want a Bermuda where people can achieve their dreams and they don’t have to worry about food,” he added. “We are trying to build a Bermuda where people can truly flourish.”