1990 - Food for the Future | Commemorative Coin

The second commemorative coin for the year 1990 was issued with the theme ‘Food for the Future,’ as part of World Food Day.

Food for the Future, the global theme for World Food Day in 1990 under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), emphasized the urgent need to build sustainable food systems capable of nourishing a rapidly growing world population. As nations confronted mounting pressures from environmental degradation, resource depletion, and increasing demand for food, the theme underscored the responsibility of governments, communities, farmers, and individuals to shape agricultural practices that could sustain future generations. World Food Day 1990 served as a reminder that food security is not guaranteed by present abundance alone but depends on long-term vision, responsible management of natural resources, and strategies that protect both people and the planet.

The FAO highlighted that the future of food production relied heavily on adopting sustainable farming techniques, improving soil health, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity. These principles were especially relevant to developing nations, where large segments of the population depended on agriculture for their livelihoods. As climate change and environmental stressors began to manifest more visibly, the message of “Food for the Future” encouraged a shift from short-term agricultural gains to long-term resilience. It brought attention to the importance of supporting smallholder farmers, investing in rural infrastructure, strengthening research in improved crop varieties, and ensuring equitable access to technology and knowledge.

Public awareness during World Food Day focused on educating citizens about the link between environmental stewardship and the stability of food supplies. Discussions centred on reducing food waste, improving storage and distribution systems, and encouraging dietary diversity to reduce pressure on overexploited resources. The observance also reinforced the need for collaborative global action, emphasizing that hunger and environmental decline are interconnected challenges that no nation can tackle in isolation.

“Food for the Future” in 1990 became a forward-looking call to action, urging the world to protect agricultural potential for the generations yet to come. It highlighted that sustainable food systems must balance productivity with environmental care, ensuring that the earth’s natural resources remain rich and capable of sustaining life. The theme left a lasting message: the choices made today in cultivation, consumption, and conservation will determine the security and well-being of tomorrow’s world.