WILLEMSTAD - During the period when the MAN and PIN parties were part of the government from 2017, both parties, in close collaboration, laid a strong foundation for the development of agriculture, livestock farming, and fishing. This effort was approached holistically, including agricultural training to properly prepare local individuals for the sector, environmental and nature protection, health promotion and disease prevention, economic development and employment creation, and, most importantly, ensuring food security—an essential component of human dignity. The sector grew by approximately 5% during this period of governance.
Recognizing that subsequent governments have done little to continue the progress in agriculture and fisheries, MAN and PIN have incorporated a robust plan for these sectors as part of their Vision and Management program.
Many still remember that before and during the pandemic, training was provided to nearly 200 individuals on organic, syntropic (nature-based), and hydroponic farming. Thanks to these initiatives, farmers, livestock breeders, and fishers could continue producing essential healthy food during a critical time.
The goal of supporting the agriculture, livestock, and fishing sectors is to ensure safe, affordable, accessible, and nutritious food for all. With this aim, MAN and PIN collaborated with various global organizations, including the WHO, Waitt Institute, Wageningen University, the University of the West Indies, and other entities that supported the executed plans.
MAN-PIN’s Vision and Management program outlines support for subsidies across the sector, initiatives to improve the quality and nutrition of local products, local value addition, improved crop and livestock protection, local distribution, fair pricing for farmers, and promoting local production. They also plan to review maximum prices for wholesalers and enforce strict regulations against the import of protected fruits and vegetables. Additionally, they aim to coordinate supply and demand by establishing storage and distribution centers managed by farmers themselves.
Private sector initiatives in food processing will be supported through increased training, infrastructure improvements, and better market functionality. Export opportunities will also be explored to achieve economies of scale and reduce production costs, ensuring that local products have consistent market access. Local produce will be supplied to schools, elder care facilities, and hospitals, with agreements in place to encourage the hospitality sector to utilize more local goods.
Sustainable agriculture and food systems will also be incorporated into the national curriculum at primary and secondary school levels, fostering youth entrepreneurship in the sector. A well-known challenge is the lack of local workers in farming or livestock breeding, partly due to unattractive working conditions. To address this, MAN-PIN plans to provide financial incentives and create dignified jobs with better working conditions.
Addressing the scarcity of adequate water for agriculture is also a priority. During the MAN-PIN government period, legislation was introduced to address water management, but more advanced solutions are needed. This includes building dams to store rainwater and implementing advanced systems to store water near agricultural areas. The government will also work to rehabilitate soil to make it more fertile and ensure the fair allocation of land designated for agriculture and livestock farming. This will be a key action during the first 100 days of a MAN-PIN government.
For the first time in history, MAN-PIN will establish a fund for this sector tied to sustainable management to ensure food security, stimulate and support local entrepreneurs, and help mitigate the cost of living by promoting the consumption of local products.