About Agriculture Across the Dutch Caribbean Islands
Agriculture across the Dutch Caribbean islands is undergoing a transformative revival. Historically, local food production was more prevalent, but over the past decades, increased reliance on imports and a labour force shift towards the tourism industry has led to reduced interest and thus self-sufficiency. This dependence has made the islands vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and has contributed to higher living costs.
Agriculture Definition
All economic activities involving the modification of the natural environment to produce crops for human and animal use.
Key Commodities and Initiatives Per Island
- Aruba
- Bonaire
- Curaçao
- Saba
- Sint Eustatius
Commodities
- Hydroponic lettuce
- Okra
- Beans
- Peanuts
- Dragon fruit.
Initiatives
- School agroforestry programs
- Micro-hydroponics
- Hay and drought-resistant forage trials
Commodities
- Okra
- eggplant
- beans
- papaya
Initiatives
- PHITO farmer app
- ircular agriculture (BonCirc),
- community greenhouses
- agricultural education
Commodities
- Leafy greens (hydroponics)
- root crops
Initiatives
- Hydroponic projects (Kunukito)
- ermicomposting
- worm farming
- local livestock feed production
Commodities
- Lettuce
- tomatoes
- herbs
- bananas
- various vegetables
Initiatives
- Government and hydroponic farms
- food security focus
- youth involvement
- hurricane-resilient systems
Commodities
- Sweet potatoes
- bananas
- cucumbers
- leafy greens
Initiatives
- Community gardens,
- hydroponics
- composting with local partners
- Government Farm support and training
