Ministry of Primary Sector Holds Dialogue with Members of the Aruba Farmers Association

ORANJESTAD – Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and the Primary Sector, Geoffrey Wever, together with the Director of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (Santa Rosa), recently attended a meeting with members of the Aruba Farmers Association (UFA) at the association’s invitation.

The UFA represents the interests of Aruba’s farming community and is committed to improving agricultural practices, increasing local food production, and promoting the development and adoption of sustainable farming methods.

During the meeting, Minister Wever and the UFA members discussed several key topics, including the conference of the Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance (DCALFA), which was held in Sint Maarten at the end of May. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and address questions regarding the CariFoodFund, the planned Agri-Innovation Park (AIP), and the challenges currently facing Aruba’s agricultural sector.

CariFoodFund

The CariFoodFund is a financial initiative of the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations designed to strengthen and stimulate food production throughout the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The fund consists of two components:

  • A €18 million revolving fund that provides financing to farmers, fishers, and agricultural entrepreneurs.
  • A €6 million grant program that supports local governments in funding initiatives that enhance food security and promote the sustainable development of the primary sector.

Minister Wever encouraged local farmers to actively provide feedback to the administrators of the CariFoodFund so that the program can continue to meet the needs of Aruba’s agricultural community. He also noted that funding remains available through the Agri-Business Academy Program, an initiative supported by the Government of Aruba.

Agri-Innovation Park
Minister Wever also provided an update on the development of the Agri-Innovation Park (AIP). Supported by the Government of Aruba, the project will establish one of the Caribbean’s most modern greenhouse facilities, providing local farmers with the infrastructure needed to expand fruit and vegetable production and helping reduce Aruba’s dependence on imported agricultural products.

Through this initiative, the Government of Aruba continues to invest in modern technologies that strengthen the island’s primary sector. The Agri-Innovation Park will include:

  • a solar energy system and water storage facilities;
  • a fertigation system, which delivers water-soluble fertilizers through the irrigation network;
  • climate-resilient cultivation systems and a knowledge center dedicated to education, training, and agricultural research.

Minister Wever announced that both the technical design and the economic feasibility studies have been completed. The Government of Aruba is currently evaluating a site within the former refinery area for the construction of the Agri-Innovation Park. The project will be developed in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the completion of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

Ministry of Primary Sector holds dialogue with members of the Aruba Farmers Association.