Santa Rosa marked its 50th anniversary with a gathering of farmers, local producers and community members that also highlighted Food Day, according to an October 25 report by 24ora.
The celebration featured Aruban dishes made with locally produced ingredients. Santa Rosa director Nathalie Maduro welcomed the turnout and said participation by established growers and newcomers suggested growing interest in local production.
Local ingredients put farming in focus
Participants were invited to use products from Aruba, including fish, goat and pork. Maduro described the gathering as both a celebration of the department’s history and an opportunity to draw attention to local food.
Primary Sector Minister Geoffrey Wever highlighted Santa Rosa’s role in agriculture, livestock and fisheries. He said the experience following the pandemic underscored the need to strengthen local production in an island economy exposed to outside factors.
Production and breeding remain priorities
Wever pointed to activity in egg, lettuce, tomato, vegetable and fruit production, alongside government support for producers.
He also referred to the recent arrival of breeding animals after more than 14 years without new imported genetics. That import was background to his remarks, rather than a new shipment announced at the anniversary celebration.
Source: Read the original 24ora report.
