Food security is an issue that needs serious attention especially in developing countries such as ASEAN countries. Food security is availability, accessibility and affordability of food to the people of a country. This is important as nowadays food is expensive, food import bills are increasing, and food production is sidelined for industrialization and cash crop production The emphasis in the industrial sector and high economic returns will effect food security in the country.

This was evident during the 1997 financial crisis when the currency crashed in the world market. During this situation, food prices were high and there was shortage of food in many parts of the region, for example there was shortage of coconut, sugar, flour and even vegetables in Malaysia. This was due to increased dependence of food import and during the crisis the food was to expensive to import. Many people in Asia were facing problems especially the poor because there was shortage in food and also because food was expensive feel that the 1997 crisis was a bitter lesson on the importance of food security and food sovereignty especially for the ASEAN region. Each country should produce its own food for the nation and have only minimum dependence on imported food. It is time to realize that local food production guarantees food supply for the nation. It plays an important role in ensuring sovereignty of a nation.

Food security should be given top priority in the national development of ASEAN countries. Food production should be given equal importance as trade and economic activities. Countries should emphasise on reducing food imports, increase self-sufficiency level, optimize the use of land, diversify food production, practice safe farming methods and ensure food is affordable for every citizen in the country.

With this issues in mind, Southeast Asian Council for Food Security and Fair Trade decided to play a role in ensuring food security in the region. In relation to this, ERA CONSUMER , the Vice-Chair of the council and Asia Pacific Secretariat for Consumerism, Advocacy, Research and Education (APS-CARE), another member of the Council hosted the Conference on the People’s Response To The Food Security