Healthy, disease-free, and resistant livestock and crops are pivotal to protecting a nation's food security SILENT EPIDEMIC   Food security According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food security exists when every person has regular access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to meet dietary needs and choices for an active, healthy life. It has four main pillars: availability, accessibility, utilisation, and stability. Importance of Food Security Food security is important for the health and development of every individual in a population.