WILLEMSTAD – The director of Egg Farm Moderno, José Dovale, has spoken out in response to public criticism and recent media reports linking the company to both egg shortages and environmental concerns stemming from chicken manure disposal. Dovale insisted that his company is merely following a court order by placing the manure on government-designated land in Dam Pretu.
Dovale expressed frustration over what he views as unfair blame placed on Egg Farm Moderno for a range of unrelated issues. “If there are mosquitoes in Bandabou, it’s our fault. If there’s a smell in Maal, it’s blamed on us. We’re constantly in the news,” he said.
He defended the use of chicken manure, noting that it is widely used in agriculture around the world and rejected claims that it is harmful to Curaçao’s soil. He pointed out that the manure issue has existed for years, originally in Sunset Heights, and was relocated to Dam Pretu as a result of legal proceedings. “We are simply carrying out what the judge decided. The government chose that site,” he stated.
Dovale also revealed the toll the controversy is taking on him personally and professionally. He did not rule out the possibility of shutting down the farm if tensions continue to escalate. “I don’t want to be anyone’s enemy, but I have to survive,” he said, adding that operating costs and public backlash now outweigh the profits.
The egg supply problems come amid delays in the installation of a specialized machine that is designed to process chicken manure more efficiently. The equipment is currently en route to Curaçao and is expected to arrive in the second half of the year. A team of German technicians will be flown in to install the system, which will require time and preparation. Only yesterday did the company receive the building permit necessary to construct a facility to house the machine.
According to Dovale, this represents a major investment aimed at solving the long-standing manure issue once and for all.
Egg Farm Moderno, which has been operating for over 40 years, supplies eggs to the entire island. Dovale emphasized that egg production serves the public interest, and said he remains committed to continuing operations—if circumstances allow.
