Aruba has begun developing the Cunucu Butucu project as a strategic agricultural production area designed to increase local food output, support farmers and livestock producers, and reduce the island’s dependence on imports, Diario reported on September 28.
Cabinet approved the project on September 18
Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector Minister Geoffrey Wever said the Council of Ministers approved the initiative on September 18, allowing preparations and implementation to proceed.
The government plans to allocate production plots to participating farmers and livestock producers while investing in water supply, sustainable energy, processing facilities and improved market access. The aim is to create conditions for more efficient, sustainable and commercially viable production.
Plan includes water, solar power and a wholesale market
Components under study include a reliable and affordable water system supplemented by rainwater capture and storage, clean-energy generation through solar power, designated areas for farming, livestock and processing, and a composting and vermiculture centre.
The proposal also includes production of livestock-feed blocks, a central wholesale market for local produce, and a centre for cooperation, training and technical knowledge in partnership with DLVV Santa Rosa.
Aruba imports about 99 per cent of its food
According to the government account cited by Diario, Aruba imports approximately 99 per cent of the food consumed on the island. That dependence leaves the country exposed to international crises, supply-chain disruptions and price increases.
Local producers also face limited access to affordable land, high water and animal-feed costs, restricted market access and a shortage of technical support. The Cunucu Butucu project is intended to address those constraints through coordinated infrastructure and services.
Working group will coordinate preparation
A Cunucu Butucu working group is to be established as the first implementation step. It will coordinate preparations, monitor progress and maintain dialogue with the primary sector.
The project complements the Agri-Innovation Park: the park focuses on technology-based cultivation, while Cunucu Butucu is intended to support soil-based agriculture, livestock, processing, innovation and market access.
Source: Diario — Aruba begins Cunucu Butucu project to strengthen local production and food security
