Sint Maarten

The Following Are Ongoing and Upcoming Initiatives Derived From This National Policy Framework

• Funding School Agriculture Projects (2021–2024)

  TEATT provided financial assistance to schools with existing agricultural programs, aiming to encourage youth involvement in agriculture and raise awareness about local food production. Despite the absence of a formal curriculum, this initiative supported hands-on learning in growing food and built foundational knowledge of sustainable agriculture among students.

• Subsidized Local Farmers Market (2021–2023)

  During this period, the Ministry provided a subsidy to support a local farmers market. This market not only catered to the local community, but also served the yachting industry, promoting access to fresh produce and supporting local producers.

• Agricultural Research Paper (2023–2024)

  In partnership with the University of St. Martin (USM) and the University of Amsterdam, the Ministry undertook a research study on local agriculture. This resulted in the academic paper: “Investigating Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Local Food Production Systems in Sint Maarten.” The paper provides critical insights to inform policy and project development.

• Regional MoU on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (2023)

  During the Dutch Caribbean Vision Process (DCVP) conference in 2023 (now DCALFA), Sint Maarten joined five other islands of the former Netherlands Antilles in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement promotes regional cooperation in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries development.

• Train-the-Trainer in Hydroponic Systems (Launched 2025)

  In January 2025, with support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS), TEATT launched a Hydroponics Train-the-Trainers Pilot Project in schools. This EU-funded initiative was made possible through the Green Overseas (GO) Program, implemented by Expertise France. TEATT also funded critical supplies such as seedlings and soil.

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  The initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and food security by building local capacity in hydroponic farming.
  Systems were built and installed in nine schools — seven primary and two secondary

  • Martin Luther King Jr. School
  • Sr. Regina School
  • Sr. Magda School
  • Sr. Borgia School
  • Seventh-day Adventist School
  • Sundial School
  • St. Dominic School
  • St. Dominic High School
  • Asha Stevens School

  Project Phases

  • Phase 1:Construction and participant training
  • Phase 2:System installation and seedling planting
  • Phase 3:Harvesting, monitoring, data logging and system performance analysis

  Each system supports up to 300 plants per cycle, and the program trained 25 individuals, including educators and community members.

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• Agri.Loan Program (Coming Q2 2025)

  To stimulate local agricultural and fisheries production, TEATT will launch the Agri. Loan Program in partnership with Qredits. The program will offer low-interest loans at 2%, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, to qualified farmers and fishers. The goal is to boost sector sustainability and support entrepreneurs in achieving their business objectives.

• Agricultural Research Initiatives (Scheduled Q2/Q3 2025)

  Planned research activities include:

  • Web Portal Development
    A digital hub to consolidate data, resources, and knowledge related to agriculture and fisheries.
  • Pilot Project on Retail Value Chain
    Participating farms will supply produce to selected supermarkets. The project will assess produce availability, quality standards, retail-farmer collaboration, and gather consumer feedback to guide tax policy recommendations.
  • Farm Feasibility StudySelect farmers will receive supplies such as fencing, matting, tanks, and fertilizers. This study will also assess the quality and accessibility of local well water, key to sustainable production.
• Poultry and Fisheries Sector Development
  • Fisheries
    The Ministry is in the process of formally establishing a legal oversight body to manage and support fisheries development.
  • Poultry
    Following a sector assessment and broad stakeholder consultations, a draft Poultry
  • PolicyPolicy has been prepared. The goal is to move toward self-sufficiency in poultry production by developing standards and supporting local capacity.