During a recent interview, representatives of the primary sector, Jair Britten, President of the Aruban pro-farmers association and owner of Cunucu Calabas, brought forward deep concerns regarding the lack of real progress in agriculture and livestock farming in Aruba. With a critical yet constructive tone, it was emphasized that despite technological advances and new planting methods, nutritional value and traditional heritage must remain central in the national discussion.
Technology vs. Nutritional Value
During the conversation, the topic of new projects was raised, such as cultivation in glass houses (greenhouses) and hydroponic systems. However, the main focus of farmers remains on the final product. Nutritional value is the pillar of food supply, and not every modern system guarantees a “powerful” product for human consumption.
“You can place greenhouses from one end of Aruba to the other, but the question is: what are you really producing?”
Heritage and Tradition
The local livestock sector, specifically the production of goat meat and beef, remains in high demand by the community and the culinary world. It was explained that there is no need to “reinvent the wheel,” but rather to give value to the agro-cultural heritage that the island already possesses. The high demand for local meat—where people “go crazy” for a portion of fresh meat—is proof that consumers value the quality that comes from the land itself.
A Call to Action After 40 Years
One of the most impactful points of the interview was the reference to 40 years of Status Aparte. This period has passed with a significant “delay” in the development of agriculture and livestock farming. This has placed Aruba in a position where it must urgently catch up to guarantee food security for current and future generations.
However, there is also concern about the perceived lack of willingness from successive governments to strengthen Santa Rosa sufficiently to provide greater support to farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen. If Santa Rosa were truly empowered and provided with proper financial support, much more could be accomplished. But as long as this does not happen, there is a growing perception that the strength of Santa Rosa is being weakened, despite it being an essential pillar for farmers, livestock breeders, and the fishing sector in Aruba. The central focus remains the empowerment of farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen on the island.
