ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever announced that the Agri-Innovation Park Aruba (AIP) has reached a significant milestone with the finalization of its technical design and business case.
International company AAB International, which possesses over 40 years of experience in horticulture, completed the design and financial analysis following earlier conceptual work by Priva and Greengrounds. The project is part of the Agripreneurial Development Program (ADP) and aims to strengthen food security while reducing import dependence.
The technical design confirms that high-tech horticulture is feasible in Aruba through investments in climate control, reliable energy, and water infrastructure. The concept consists of a 9,000 m² semi-closed high-tech greenhouse divided into five compartments, alongside a Center of Excellence for education, research, and innovation.
For the initial phase, tomato cultivation was selected based on local demand and technical feasibility. According to the analysis, the AIP could replace approximately 48% of local tomato consumption, with the flexibility to expand to other crops in the future.
“This represents a concrete step in a journey that began under the previous cabinet, moving from a vision to a solid technical and financial plan,” Minister Wever stated.
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