WILLEMSTAD – The Council of Ministers of Curaçao received a presentation on food security on Wednesday from the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO), with officials emphasizing the urgent need to increase local food production and strengthen the island’s long-term resilience.
During the presentation, the ministry stressed that Curaçao must invest more heavily in agriculture and local food systems in order to reduce dependence on imported food products.
According to the government, financial resources will be made available to support the sector, while several investors have already expressed interest in agricultural development projects on the island.
The presentation highlighted the results of a sector analysis showing that modernization is necessary to improve efficiency within agriculture. Officials pointed to technologies such as smart irrigation systems and hydroponics as important tools for future food production.
The initiative “Makutu Saludabel” was also discussed during the meeting. The project links food security to healthy nutrition and public health by promoting healthier locally produced food options.
The ministry further indicated that the agricultural sector needs stronger organization and coordination, including greater collaboration in production, storage, and distribution, along with increased support for farmers.
Another major topic was Parke Agrario Sint Joris, which the government hopes will evolve into a center for agricultural innovation, development, and knowledge sharing.
According to MEO, the ultimate goal is to create a more sustainable and resilient food system for Curaçao.
The presentation comes amid increasing regional concern about food security in the Caribbean, where many islands remain heavily dependent on imported food products. Recent international studies and policy papers have repeatedly warned that supply chain disruptions, climate change, and geopolitical tensions expose Caribbean islands to significant food vulnerabilities.
In recent years, both the Curaçao government and the Dutch government have announced initiatives aimed at strengthening local agriculture and reducing import dependency. Earlier this year, the Dutch government announced a €24 million strategy focused on improving food security across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
The delegation from the Ministry of Economic Development included Mariëlla Olaria-Maduro, chair of the Food Security Project Group, Maartje Rojer-Voemen, Sjoerd Eendragt, and John de Lannoy of NHC.