WILLEMSTAD – The political party MAN-PIN has long emphasized the importance of Curaçao’s agricultural sector, stressing that food security is fundamental for a healthy and productive community. To address the high cost of living, particularly food prices, MAN-PIN advocates for transforming the agricultural sector into a primary economic pillar.
Over the past four years, the sector has suffered from neglect. The AVB (formerly LVV) service has seen key workers retire without replacements, and vital projects aimed at supporting agriculture have either not been approved in time or mismanaged, making them nearly impossible to implement. As a result, essential tools for the sector’s growth are now almost entirely absent.
To address this crisis, MAN-PIN calls for a comprehensive plan to tackle pressing issues, including:
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Lack of equipment for land preparation
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Theft and vandalism
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Rising costs of animal feed
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Stray animals damaging crops
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Fair pricing for local producers
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Effective methods to control migratory fish stocks
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Ice machines for fishermen
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Nationwide agricultural production planning
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Skilled workforce within AVB to support farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen
A Commitment to Strengthening the Agricultural Sector
To ensure food security and sustainable employment for local producers, farmers, and fishermen, MAN-PIN pledges to prioritize the following actions in its governance program:
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Investing in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries to reduce dependency on imports and create a more resilient local market.
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Providing subsidies (not loans) for initiatives that enhance productivity, modernize farming equipment, and improve the quality and distribution of local products.
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Reviewing and regulating wholesale and producer prices to ensure fairness.
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Strictly enforcing laws against the importation of fruits, vegetables, and meat to protect local producers.
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Coordinating supply and demand to stabilize the market.
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Focusing on local production and processing to generate new jobs.
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Emphasizing training and capacity building in modern and sustainable agricultural techniques, including integrating sustainable agriculture into school curriculums to enhance productivity and skills.
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Encouraging cooperative business structures to foster collaboration and innovation.
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Reducing healthcare costs linked to diet-related illnesses by promoting healthier local food consumption.
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Minimizing waste associated with imports and promoting sustainable practices.
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Implementing environmentally friendly and regenerative farming practices to reduce the impact of food production, including limiting harmful chemicals and promoting biodiversity.
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Food Security as a National Priority
Health, nutrition, and job creation are serious matters. A country that does not produce its own food is destined to fail. MAN-PIN believes that by revitalizing Curaçao’s agricultural sector, the nation can lower food prices, secure local employment, and ensure a healthier, more self-sufficient future.
