The renewed agreement, signed by representatives of the six Dutch Caribbean islands, strengthens regional cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, livestock development and food system resilience. Through continued collaboration, the islands aim to increase local food production, reduce dependence on imports and address shared challenges such as climate change and supply chain disruptions.

“The renewal of this agreement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening local food production and building a more resilient future for our islands through regional cooperation,” said Commissioner Leerdam. “Although each island faces its own unique opportunities and challenges, we are committed to working together to advance food security, support local producers and build a stronger and more resilient Dutch Caribbean. By combining our efforts, we can achieve outcomes that benefit the entire region.”

The conference brought together government officials, sector representatives, educational institutions and development partners to discuss practical solutions for improving food security throughout the Dutch Caribbean.

With financial support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ), local stakeholders from Statia’s agriculture and fisheries sectors also attended the conference, ensuring that local experiences and challenges were included in regional discussions. Participants also took part in training on cooperative development.

During the conference, President of the Sint Eustatius Farmers Foundation, Sara Stone, presented Statia’s Agrivoltaics project, highlighting its challenges, successes and opportunities for future expansion.

A key outcome of the conference was an initiative by 26 farmers, fishers and livestock producers from the six Dutch Caribbean islands who attended the event. The group presented a letter recognising DC ALFA as an important regional platform for primary producers. They also requested that DC ALFA represent their interests in regional policy discussions and decision-making processes.

Participants discussed opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation, improve food production and increase food security across the Dutch Caribbean. The programme also included workshops, training sessions and field visits showcasing agricultural initiatives in Sint Maarten.

For Statia, participation in the conference reinforced its commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture, fisheries development and long-term food security. Through continued regional collaboration, Statia aims to contribute to a stronger, more resilient and food-secure Dutch Caribbean.