THE HAGUE – The Dutch government is investing €24 million to strengthen food security across the six Caribbean islands of the Kingdom, including Curaçao, in an effort to reduce dependency on imports and build more resilient local food systems.
According to the new policy letter, €6 million will be invested in infrastructure such as water management, land access, cooling storage and logistics. Another €18 million will go into a revolving fund to improve financing access for farmers and fishermen.
The move reflects growing concern over the islands’ dependence on imported food, a vulnerability that became more visible during recent global supply chain disruptions.
For Curaçao, where food imports account for a significant portion of local consumption, strengthening local agriculture and fisheries could help improve resilience and lower costs.
The Dutch government also says it wants to invest in training programs aimed at promoting innovative and sustainable food production.
The policy positions food security as both an economic and strategic issue, particularly in a region vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions and climate change.