Annual conference of the Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Alliance (DCALFA).
ORANJESTAD — Aruba's Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector Minister Geoffrey Wever attends the Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Alliance (DCALFA) meeting in Bonaire.
The conference provides a strategic forum for enhancing regional collaboration in agriculture and fisheries.
Delegations from Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, and the Netherlands came together to exchange vision and knowledge and work on joint solutions to improve food security, sustainability, and local economic development in the islands.
Since they signed the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June 2023, the islands have committed to stimulating local production and reducing import dependence.
A significant part of this event is the series of technical workshops covering crucial topics, such as:
- Fisheries and marine resource management;
- Food security and self-sufficiency;
- Pest and disease control;
- Role of the private sector in agricultural development;
- Youth involvement in agricultural futures.
"Conferences like DCALFA create a real space to explore investment and cooperation that will benefit us all," Minister Wever said.
Aruba's vision is directly connected with the implementation of the Agri-Innovation Park. A comprehensive study—carried out in collaboration with PRIVA, Santa Rosa, TWO-Aruba, and the Netherlands—is already completing its first phase. It will be the cornerstone of a contemporary center for Aruba's agricultural expertise and output.
The Agri-Innovation Park will offer modern infrastructure and shared logistics services for new and existing farmers, eliminate financial and technical barriers, and open the sector to broader participation. "All this is to strengthen our resilience and sustainably diversify our economy," said Minister Geoffrey Wever.