Curacao

Curaçao's primary sector

Encompassing agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, unlike most countries in the world, especially developing countries, the significance of the agricultural sector in Curaçao is small within the overall economy. It can be measured by its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the number of people employed in the sector. Despite contributing a small percentage (0.3%, 2023) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), recent initiatives by both governmental bodies and private entities aim to bolster local food production, enhance sustainability, and reduce dependency on imports.

Key Stats & Insights

Agricultural Land
Approximately 400 hectares, accounting for about 10% of Curaçao’s total land area.
Employment
There are 150 full-time farmers in Curaçao.
Fisheries Production
Total fisheries production was reported at 8,826.8 metric tons in 2022.
Agriculture Value Added
In 2022, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors contributed approximately USD 8.19 million to the economy .

3 key commodities

Leafy Greens (Hydroponic Cultivation)

Given the island's arid climate and limited arable land, hydroponic farming has emerged as a sustainable solution for producing leafy vegetables. Projects like Bon Hydroponics aim to supply up to 10% of the island's lettuce demand, reducing reliance on imports and promoting local consumption .

Goat and Sheep Meat

Livestock farming, particularly of goats and sheep, is being revitalized through breeding programs initiated by the Implementation Organization for Agriculture and Fisheries Management (UO AVB). By introducing breeds like the Dorper sheep and Boer goats, the island aims to enhance meat production and improve genetic diversity in local herds.

Fish

Fisheries remain a vital component of Curaçao's food system. Despite fluctuations in annual catch volumes, the sector provides essential protein sources for the local population and contributes to the island's economy. Efforts are underway to promote sustainable fishing practices and ensure the long term viability of marine resources.

Local Programs & Initiatives

Kunukito Hydroponic Project

Food production in Curaçao is limited. Both the government and the local population have taken initiatives in recent years to increase food production. One of these initiatives is the Kunukito Hydroponic project, which has resulted from collaboration with the Colombian government. It involves the implementation of agricultural production systems, including

Worm breeding,
Nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics
Green forage hydroponics, to enhance local food production and security.

The Kunukito project is implemented together with the Universidad de la Guajira on an area of 5,000 m².

Unit worm breeding
Unit nutrient film technique
Green forage hydroponics

Worm breeding,
We use the California red worms they eat organic materials (unprocessed), including eggshells, vegetable scraps, cardboard, and animal manure. Their excretions, vermicompost, are used for planting or as soil enrichment.
Nutrient film technique (Nft) hydroponics
We demonstrate how water cultivation can be achieved by applying the NFT technique; various leafy vegetables have been grown.
Green forage unit using hydroponics
Green forage is the result of the germination process of cereal grains or legumes, such as corn, sorghum, barley, wheat, and alfalfa, in a soilless cultivation system (hydroponics). This method is carried out in special trays or containers, where the grains are constantly irrigated with a nutrient solution rich in essential minerals.

The germination process takes place over a period of 7 to 14 days, during which the seeds absorb energy from the sun and take up nutrients dissolved in the water. The result is a nutritious, easily digestible roughage with a balanced content of proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins, making it ideal for feeding livestock and other animals.

Purchase of Various Breeds of Sheep and Goats

The Implementation Organization for Agriculture and Fisheries Management (UO AVB, formerly LVV) purchased various breeds of sheep and goats to improve local breeds on the island.

The goal of this purchase is to strengthen the local livestock population through specific breeding programs that involve crossing local breeds with imported breeds, ultimately aiming to increase meat production.

Additionally, pure breeds are bred and resold to local farmers, providing them with access to high-quality genetic animals at a reasonable price.

Fabrication, Assemblage and Deployment of 5 Fish Aggregating Devices (Fads)

From November 12th till November 22nd 2024, a team assembled 5 aggregations (the upper 200 m which attacks fishes) at the Motetwerf Willemstad, Curaçao. The team consisted of 3 employees of the Ministry of Ministry of Health, Environment & Nature Curacao (GMN) , and was led by a regional FAD expert, Mr. John Watt from Antigua and Barbuda. These FAD’s are of Antiguan design.

Most of the materials used originate from Guadeloupe. Also the earlier designs used by the Curaçaoan fishers are based on Antiguan design and adapted with local adjustments, since fishers from Antigua previously (2018) provided technical assistance for FAD construction in Curaçao. It took 3 people approximately 8 working days in order to prepare 5 aggregations, equivalent to 192 man hours (38.4 hours/aggregation).