WILLEMSTAD – For the first time, the Council of Ministers has formally approved the establishment of a dedicated interministerial structure to address food security and food sovereignty in Curaçao. The initiative was presented by the Minister of Economic Development, Mr. Roderick Middelhof, as part of a strategic vision to strengthen the country’s capacity to guarantee food production, availability, and safety.
With this decision, the government takes an important step toward structured coordination between ministries, with the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) playing a central leadership role in economic integration. Food security is not solely an agricultural issue, but also an economic, social, and public health matter that requires a comprehensive, integrated approach.
A steering committee, chaired by Minister Middelhof and including the Minister of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) and the Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning (VVRP), will serve as the strategic governing body. This collaboration reflects the government’s view that food security is a shared responsibility, with each ministry contributing its specific expertise and competencies.
Reporting to the steering committee will be an interministerial project group, chaired by the Director of the Enterprise Sector at MEO, Ms. Mariëlla Olaria-Maduro, together with the directors of GMN and VVRP. This group will be responsible for operational implementation, technical coordination, and monitoring of concrete actions.
The key objectives of the project group include:
- Coordinating and ensuring the execution of existing and new food security plans;
- Strengthening policy, regulations, and the relevant legal framework;
- Promoting close cooperation between government, the private sector, farmers, livestock producers, and other stakeholders;
- Encouraging modernization and professionalization of the agriculture and livestock sectors;
- Advancing a sustainable, efficient, and resilient production model to prepare for climate change and international challenges.
Minister Middelhof, responsible for economic development, considers food security a fundamental pillar for strengthening the local economy, reducing dependency on imports, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation. At the same time, he acknowledged that a strong food system cannot be achieved without GMN’s contribution in the areas of health and product safety, nor without adequate spatial planning by VVRP.
This new structure marks a strategic step toward building a more robust food system for Curaçao — one that protects consumers, supports local producers, and contributes to the country’s economic stability.
Minister Middelhof invited all relevant stakeholders to remain actively involved in the process, so that together they can work toward a safer and more sustainable food future for Curaçao.
The official decree establishing the structure was formally presented to Ms. Mariëlla Olaria-Maduro, Director of the Enterprise Sector.