Professionals from AAB International, alongside Mr. Elwin Groenevelt, presented the technical design and business case for the Agri-Innovation Park Aruba (AIP) to Parliament last Monday. Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector, Geoffrey Wever, highlighted the presentation as a critical step toward the island’s food security.
The proposal, previously shared with the Council of Ministers, outlines the technical and financial components of the project. Minister Wever expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating that the presentation confirms the government is working with transparency. “We are presenting not only a vision, but a concrete, technical and financial plan that responds to a real need of our people,” Wever remarked.
AAB International, a firm with over 40 years of international experience in horticulture, designed the project to confirm that innovative agricultural production is feasible under Aruba’s conditions. The plan includes a high-tech semi-closed greenhouse of approximately 9,000 square meters divided into five compartments. It will focus initially on tomato cultivation with the potential to replace approximately 48% of local consumption.
The project emphasizes sustainability through efficient water, nutrient, and energy use and includes a Center of Excellence for education and research. It is part of the Agripreneurial Development Program (ADP).
