WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s biggest egg producer, Egg Farm, has been mandated to implement stricter measures to reduce foul odors and fly infestations near agricultural lands in Sint Joris. The Ministry of Health, Nature, and Environment (GMN) has ordered the company to treat daily chicken manure deliveries with biological agents and cover them immediately, according to a government press release.
The new protocol is expected to reduce odors by 80% and flies by 90%. These measures are temporary and will remain in effect for nine months while a new processing facility is constructed. The facility will convert the manure into odorless compost.
"We are monitoring compliance and conducting an environmental study in surrounding neighborhoods, including odor measurements and resident interviews," stated GMN.
The nuisance has sparked public frustration and political debate, partly due to remarks by MKP politician Giselle Rosalia. The ministry suggested Rosalia’s comments were politically motivated, though she clarified that shutting down Egg Farm is not an option due to food security risks. "Egg imports are vulnerable due to global avian flu outbreaks," the ministry noted.
GMN’s approach aims not only to alleviate local disturbances but also to promote a circular agricultural system. The ministry believes locally produced compost will strengthen farmland, reduce import dependency, and stabilize prices for staple goods like eggs and bread.