ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Aruba’s Minister Geoffrey Wever recently met with members of the United Farmers of Aruba Association (UFA) to discuss new initiatives aimed at strengthening local agriculture, food security, and sustainable farming.
During the meeting, Wever and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (DLVV) exchanged ideas on several topics, including the Caribbean Food Fund (CariFoodFund), the Agri-Innovation Park (AIP), and challenges currently facing Aruba’s agricultural sector.
The CariFoodFund, developed by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, is designed to strengthen food systems across the Dutch Caribbean. The fund includes €18 million in revolving financing for farmers, fishers, and agricultural entrepreneurs, along with €6 million in grants to support local government food security initiatives.
Minister Wever encouraged farmers to provide feedback on the fund’s structure to ensure it effectively meets the needs of agricultural businesses. He also reminded attendees that funding remains available through Aruba’s Agri-Business Academy programme.
The minister provided an update on the planned Agri-Innovation Park, which will feature modern greenhouse technology, solar energy, water storage, fertigation systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a knowledge center for agricultural training. Technical and economic feasibility studies have been completed, while the government continues evaluating the refinery site as a possible location.
Wever concluded the meeting by thanking UFA members for sharing their concerns and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with farmers and fishers to strengthen Aruba’s agricultural sector and long-term food security.
