The Pro Cunukeronan Arubiano Commission (CPCA), led by Jair Britten, together with the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and the Primary Sector, Geoffrey Wever, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking an important step toward strengthening Aruba’s traditional agriculture and livestock sector.
The MoU formalizes the collaboration that began during a productive meeting held in November, where the Commission highlighted urgent challenges affecting growth and professionalization in the sector. The agreement establishes a long-term partnership between the government and key actors in traditional agriculture to drive concrete actions that contribute to a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable Aruba.
Addressing Structural Challenges in the Primary Sector
During the earlier exchange, CPCA presented a wide list of structural obstacles impacting local farmers and livestock producers. These included:
- High costs and limited access to water
- Pressure from cheap imported products that disadvantage local production
- Elevated feed and operational costs
- Limited technical support for land preparation
- Animal disease outbreaks
- Critical need for genetic renewal in livestock
- Persistent damage caused by stray goats
The MoU confirms that both the government and the Commission will work together on impactful solutions, such as:
- Ensuring affordable and structural access to water for farmers and livestock owners
- Reducing import duties on animal feed
- Strengthening technical support and DLVV services
- Improving animal health and access to veterinary resources
- Implementing genetic renewal testing and preparing for new genetic imports in 2026
- Creating a centralized marketplace for local products
- Treating the stray goat issue as a national priority
A Strategic Step in Modernizing Aruba’s Primary Sector
During the signing ceremony, Minister Wever emphasized that the MoU represents a key milestone in Aruba’s transition toward a modern and resilient primary sector. He noted that the discussions held in November provided clear insight into the challenges at hand, and that this agreement now lays the groundwork for concrete actions and formal commitments.
Minister Wever reiterated the ministry’s full commitment to working closely with the Commission and relevant partners to deliver tangible results in line with the goals set in the AVP–Futuro 2025–2028 Governance Program.
Strengthening Aruba’s Agricultural Identity and Food Independence
According to the minister, Aruba’s farmers—its cunukeronan—play an essential role in preserving the island’s food security and agricultural heritage. The MoU establishes a strong, future-oriented partnership designed to elevate the sector and strengthen the voices of local farmers in the development of national policy.
CPCA President Jair Britten and his board expressed appreciation for the formal recognition of this partnership, which will help strengthen the sector and ensure that agricultural producers have a greater role in shaping Aruba’s primary sector policies.
With the signing of this MoU, Aruba enters a new phase of collaboration, structural action, and transparency in managing its primary sector. Minister Wever and the Commission will continue working to strengthen local production, reinforce food security, and safeguard a vital part of Aruba’s national identity and resilience.
