Government Resolution No. 12/2017 of 8 March approving the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

The National Food and Nutrition Security Policy was developed on the basis of a set of consultations with a large group of stakeholders. It is based on the analysis of relevant food and nutrition information and a review of the 2005 National Food Security Policy. By 2030, East Timor will be free from hunger and malnutrition, and East Timorese will be able to live healthy and productive lives. The people of Timor-Leste will be well fed, mainly from increasing food production from local and nutritious varieties to healthy lives and, in parallel, by carefully managing the agricultural ecosystem. The Mission is the Government recognizes that nutrition plays a key role in ensuring a healthy population and a productive workforce. Reducing malnutrition and hunger in East Timor in an economically viable, ecologically and socially appropriate way is a precondition for the pursuit of the national development goals which calls for a multi-sectoral approach within a Political leadership at all levels.
The agricultural sector will also promote rural development, and related investments will therefore be key to achieving higher national targets, such as: Increased local productivity of nutritious foods and producers with better connection to consumers. Greater stability and resilience in food production and supply. Safe, quality and nutritious food available regularly at food outlets throughout the country. Increased opportunities for sustainable income generation in rural areas in order to improve access to nutritious food. Improved access to nutritious food and nutrient intake by vulnerable people. Better education, awareness raising and advocacy of food and nutrition security. Promote sustainable aquaculture and develop the coastal fisheries and inland fisheries sector, focusing on increasing harvesting from traditional fishing activities.
The strategic actions under this policy will be oriented under the following principles: human rights, including the rights of women, children and the Right to Food; Equity, reflecting the voices of the vulnerable population, including subsistence farmers; Respecting cultural and traditional values; Protecting biodiversity and environmental sustainability; Recognizing food sovereignty; Taking a multi-stakeholder approach and sectors; Stimulating local decision-making and action; Reinforcing food and nutritional security information. The pursuit of national development goals recognizes that a thriving agricultural sector is needed to reduce poverty, increase food and nutritional security and promote economic growth.