THE HAGUE - The Caribbean islands are set to receive a €24 million boost to increase local food production. The goal is to reduce reliance on costly imports and address high food prices, as announced by State Secretary Zsolt Szabó during today’s budget debate. 

The funds will support initiatives aimed at growing fruits and vegetables locally, utilizing methods such as hydroponics. This technique, where plants grow in water enriched with nutrients, is expected to reduce dependence on imports and help lower the cost of staple foods, according to the State Secretary. 

It is well-known that the cost of fresh produce on the islands is extremely high. Szabó shared an example from his recent visit to Bonaire, where he paid $16 for a kilo of green beans and $3.50 for a liter of milk in a local supermarket. This, he said, creates uncertainty for the population, especially when shipping delays occur. By stimulating local production, the government hopes to not only lower prices but also improve food security. 

These measures are part of a broader strategy to enhance the islands' economic self-sufficiency and prosperity. The government is also focusing on reforms in sectors such as tourism, construction, and transport, taking lessons from the COVID-19 period into account.