PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry recently convened to review progress on agriculture-related initiatives for St. Maarten. Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Ms. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, presented updates on ongoing projects, funding sources, and future plans aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector.
Progress on Agriculture Projects
Several initiatives aimed at improving food security, modernizing farming practices, and enhancing sustainability are moving forward. Some of the notable updates include:
- Food Data Quantification Project is on track for completion by June 2025.
- Poultry and Fishery Sector Assessments are currently underway.
- Hydroponics Education Program completed installations and initial training in April 2025, with community-level training slated for 2026.
- Agri-Loan Program is set to launch in June 2025, offering low-interest loans at 2% to ten farmers and ten fishermen.
- Agriculture Research Project remains in its selection phase.
These projects are expected to pave the way for stronger agricultural productivity and food independence on the island.
Funding Challenges and Opportunities
The Minister underscored the importance of international funding in driving current initiatives, while local funds remain limited. Organizations like the EU Green Overseas Project and the ALF agency have been key contributors, supporting projects such as the hydroponics program (€90,000) and the Agri-loan fund (300,000 guilders).
Looking ahead, the ALF agency, geared to oversee agricultural development, is actively seeking $600,000 in startup funding through international partnerships like TWAO (Temporary Work Agreements Overseas).
Challenges Facing the Agriculture Sector
Despite measurable progress, several roadblocks remain. Key challenges include:
- Limited Funding - No dedicated budget for 2026 agriculture initiatives further compounds financial pressures.
- Personnel Shortages - The ministry lacks the workforce and resources necessary to fully support agriculture-focused policies, making staff recruitment and relocation a priority.
- Disaster Management Deficiencies - The absence of contingency plans for agricultural resilience in disasters poses significant risks.
Future Plans and Goals
Minister Heyliger-Marten laid out an ambitious vision for the agriculture sector, centered around the ALF policy. By stabilizing and expanding the sector, the Ministry aims to establish an independent ALF agency by Q4 2026. The agency will focus on the execution of agriculture initiatives, while the Ministry remains responsible for policy development.
Upcoming plans include creating seedling centers, expanding hydroponics programs, reviving agricultural schools, and launching poultry farming training programs. Additionally, cross-island collaboration through the DC Alpha platform will strengthen regional trade and shipping partnerships.
Discussions Among MPs
Members of Parliament (MPs) played an active role in providing insights and raising critical questions about the pathway forward. MP Lacroes called for stronger regional licensing agreements for fishermen, while MP Veronica Janssen Webster commended the progress in the hydroponics program and stressed the importance of local farmers engaging in international exposure.
MP Sarah Westcott-Williams voiced concerns about the feasibility of using a ZBO (Independent Administrative Body) to execute ALF policies, emphasizing the need for interim measures. Meanwhile, MP Darrly York sought clarity on budget timelines and land allocation for farmers in collaboration with the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Infrastructure.
The issue of invasive species, particularly monkeys, was also discussed. Proposed strategies included electronic fencing and licensed culling to address the growing problem.
Minister’s Closing Remarks
Minister Heyliger-Marten concluded the meeting with a call for unity and cooperation across all stakeholders. She promised transparency and regular updates on agricultural progress, emphasizing the pivotal role of collaboration between government, Parliament, and international partners in driving success.
Next Steps
Several immediate action points emerged from the meeting, including providing MPs with a detailed breakdown of international funding and its allocations. The setup of the ALF agency remains a central focus, with Parliament closely monitoring developments and providing legislative support as needed.
The ambitious roadmap presented by the Ministry signals a promising future for St. Maarten’s agriculture sector, positioning it as a pillar of sustainability and self-reliance for the island.
