WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao wants to more directly connect food security policies to public health and healthier eating habits. That became clear during a presentation by the Ministry of Economic Development to the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, where the “Makutu Saludabel” initiative was presented as part of a broader national strategy.
According to the government, the initiative aims to make healthy and locally produced food products more accessible to the population while simultaneously reducing Curaçao’s dependence on imported food.
Officials also see the strategy as part of the response to growing public health concerns on the island, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, which continue to affect a significant portion of the population.
The plans partially align with earlier proposals from opposition party PNP, which previously called for reforms to the existing “Makutu Básiko” system. The party argued for healthier food packages containing more locally produced fruits and vegetables, combined with stronger support for agriculture and measures to shield residents from rising food prices.
The government indicated that achieving greater food security will require increased investment in local agriculture. Financial resources are expected to be made available, while officials stated that investors have already shown interest in agricultural projects on the island.
No exact investment figures have yet been released.
The presentation also highlighted the need to modernize the agricultural sector in order to improve productivity and efficiency. Among the technologies being considered are smart irrigation systems and hydroponics, a cultivation method that allows crops to grow without soil.
Authorities further emphasized that stronger coordination is needed within the agricultural sector, including greater collaboration in production, storage, and distribution, as well as more support for farmers.
The initiative comes amid increasing regional concern about food vulnerability in the Caribbean, where many islands remain heavily dependent on imported food products and exposed to international price fluctuations and transportation costs.