Secretary of State impressed by his visit to Santa Rosa.
ORANJESTAD—The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries/Santa Rosa recently received a visit from the Secretary of State of the Netherlands, Mr. Eddie van Marum, with his delegation.
The director of Santa Rosa, Mrs. Nathalie Maduro, and the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and the Primary Sector, Mr. Geoffrey Wever, welcomed them. After a brief introduction, the Santa Rosa tour began with an overview of the departments and their crops. During the walking tour, they received an explanation of the tasks, responsibilities, projects, and policies of Santa Rosa in the primary sector field.
They received an explanation of the cows' breeds and types, along with information about the fruits and vegetables. The tour continued until it reached the Agri Innovation Park (AIP).
Minister Sr. Geoffrey Wever and Mr. Erwin Groeneveld gave a brief presentation on the upcoming project. After that, they proceeded to the DC ALFA Food Forest, where they received a quick description of the concept, along with an example of another sustainable system that we are researching for the local market and its economic impact. To culminate the walk in Santa Rosa, they visited the petting farm "Cunuco Chabelito." Secretary of State, Mr. Eddie van Marum, met with the invited local producers to see the products they offer to the people of Aruba.
Here is a brief explanation of each producer present:
- Rachelle Peterson – producer of various types of mushrooms;
- Jair Britten of "Cunuco Calbas"—producer of fresh meat;
- Brandon Maduro and Angelique Croeze of "Croeze Farm"—producer of vegetable varieties;
- Shirley Illidge—producer of various liqueurs;
- Pestana Ranch—producer of fresh eggs;
- Jake Arends of "Cunuco Fresh"—producer of fresh lettuce;
- Daniel Barros—beekeeper and producer of honey and other products;
- Charles Koolman - peanut producer;
- Ivan Dijkhof of “Sunny Greens”—producer of various microgreens.
Mr. van Marum expressed gratitude and admiration for the products being made in Aruba despite the challenging climate.
The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries in Santa Rosa expressed gratitude to VNO Aruba for facilitating State Secretary Mr. Eddie van Marum's visit. They also appreciated Minister Wever and all local producers for helping to make the day exceptional for our guests.