Island Overview
St. Eustatius (Statia), a small yet ecologically rich island, is home to a growing agricultural movement emphasizing sustainability and food security. Agriculture, livestock, and fisheries remain vital to local livelihoods, supporting nutrition, cultural heritage, and economic resilience. With a favorable tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil, the island is well-suited for diversified food production, although small land size and resource constraints require innovative and efficient practices. The two key private sector institutions in the sector are the Sint Eustatius Farmer’s Foundation and the St. Eustatius Fisherman Foundation.
Key Stats & Insights
- Registered Farmers and Fishers
There are 122 individuals are registered at the St. Eustatius Agriculture & Veterinary Services Department (LVV) and engaged in part-time agriculture, livestock, and fisheries activities.
- Agricultural Land Use
Approximately 3% of Statia’s land is utilized for agriculture.
- Fisheries
The island’s fisheries are primarily artisanal, with local fishers taking initiatives to increase the catch of pelagic fish and sale of marine products.
3 key commodities
Goat Meat
A traditional staple, goat meat is central to local diets.
Leafy Greens
Crops like lettuce and spinach are cultivated using hydroponic systems, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity and land limitations.
Fresh Fish (Snapper, Grouper)
The island's fisheries sector includes licensed fishers primarily engaged in artisanal and nearshore fishing.
Local Programs/Initiatives
EU Sustainable Agriculture Agreement
In January 2023, the Public Entity of Sint Eustatius signed an agreement with the European Union to enhance food security, create economic opportunities, and increase resilience against external threats over a four-year period. The agreement also aims to contribute to the sustainable management of the island’s natural resources, leading to a healthier environment and increased biodiversity. Within this agreement the Strategic Action Plan for Sustainable Agriculture (SAPSA) has been created. The SAPSA is the islands overarching and long-term strategy implemented by the Public Entity of Sint Eustatius to promote food security, economic opportunities, and environmental health.
Food Resilient Futures
The Food Resilient Futures research project aims to promote water-smart and natureinclusive food resilience on the BES islands, driven by local participation. A living-lab approach is used, where local stakeholders and youth collaborate to select and implement experiments through a participatory and co-creative envisioning process. On Sint Eustatius, a mobile testing unit will be established, and training will be provided on the reuse of greywater for agriculture .
Syntropic Agroforestry Farming Pilot Project
This project aims to alleviate pressure on the natural environment by introducing syntropic agroforestry techniques. A 2,000 m² plot has been allocated for a model farm, with training provided by Cijntje’s Organic Farm from Curaçao. The project seeks to establish a holistic, sustainable agricultural community that fosters biodiversity and enhances food security .
Agrovoltaics Pilot Program
Funded by the Green Overseas Programme, this initiative seeks to integrate solar power with agricultural practices, beginning with a pilot project and farmer training to explore its feasibility on a larger scale, aiming to create a dual-purpose system that generates clean energy while protecting crops.
Fodder Production Project
To address overgrazing and promote sustainable livestock farming, a fodder production project has been initiated. This includes seed purchasing, planting, monitoring, cutting, weighing, and determination of nutrient content. The project aims to produce highquality fodder, reducing the need for roaming livestock and allowing for natural vegetation recovery
Renovation of the Slaughterhouse
The Public Entity of Sint Eustatius is undertaking the renovation of the island’s slaughterhouse to improve food safety and veterinary services. The renovation considers the expected capacity after the professionalization of animal husbandry and includes establishing protocols on the import and export of animals and animal products, diseases, and zoonoses .
Green and Blue Economy Curriculum in Schools
Efforts are being made to integrate green and blue economy concepts into the school curriculum on Sint Eustatius. This includes the development of educational programs that focus on sustainable practices related to agriculture, marine resources, and environmental stewardship.
Water Retention Ponds
To minimize erosion and increase water capacity for commercial and domestic uses, the Public Entity of Sint Eustatius has completed the first of three large retention ponds. These artificial ponds are part of the island’s efforts to find sustainable solutions to water problems
Local Contact Info
