At a global moment where food insecurity is increasingly becoming a reality, parliamentarian Eduard Pieters of the PPA faction emphasizes a crucial point: Aruba must strengthen its local production as a national priority, not as an option.
During his recent visit as a consumer to the Santa Rosa Market, where local producers gather with their fresh vegetables such as lettuce, beans, and other quality products, as well as fresh eggs and meat, Pieters encountered an inspiring—but also concerning—reality. The potential is there, but the challenges are equally real.
“I was pleased to speak with the producers at Santa Rosa,” Pieters expressed. “They are producing quality, but they are facing obstacles that require urgent solutions.”
Water: The Biggest Obstacle
One of the main challenges raised by producers is access to water. Without accessible and reliable water, production cannot grow. Pieters points to a strategic issue: Aruba has resources, but they are not being used optimally.
“We have AWSS, but we must explore how treated water can be reused as clean water for agriculture,” he indicated. The reuse of water for crops, plants, and livestock could become a sustainable solution for local production.
Natural and Human Challenges: Goats, Iguanas, Lizards, and Weeds
Farmers also expressed that they constantly face problems with iguanas, lizards, and invasive weeds carried by the wind. Those who raise livestock face additional challenges from dogs belonging to irresponsible owners, which are allowed to roam freely and attack their animals.
These are daily realities that affect production and demonstrate the need for a modern and integrated management approach.
“We must listen to producers in order to create practical and efficient solutions, since they are essential for our country’s food security,” Pieters emphasized.
Technology and Tradition Must Go Hand in Hand
Aruba does not have large amounts of land for massive production. This requires innovation, such as:
- Vertical farming
- Efficient use of space
- Integration of technology in agriculture
“We must combine technology with traditional farming to address future challenges,” Pieters stated.
Dependence on Imports Is a Risk
The most critical issue is Aruba’s heavy reliance on imports. Today, more than 90% of food is imported. In a world where geopolitical conditions are changing rapidly, this represents a real risk.
“We cannot continue like this. We must reduce dependency to 60–70%,” Pieters declared.
Local production is directly linked to national security and economic resilience.
Government Must Act
Pieters confirmed that he will continue dialogue with farmers’ associations to further address the issue. However, the main message is clear:
Government must move from words to action.
Key actions include:
- Further improving access to water
- Protecting production against pests
- Addressing irresponsible dog ownership
- Stimulating context-based innovation
- Creating sustainable management systems
Without concrete action, local potential will remain limited.
The Time to Act Is Now
According to Pieters, Aruba has dedicated producers with knowledge and potential. What is missing is leadership and political decision-making.
“Local production must become a real priority,” Pieters concluded.
“A country that cannot feed itself is a country that is highly vulnerable.”
In an uncertain world, Aruba cannot continue to depend entirely on others. The future of our food security begins in places like Santa Rosa, by supporting local producers and continuing with concrete action today.
