From May 19 to 23, 2025, representatives from six Dutch Caribbean islands gathered on Bonaire to take the next step toward food independence. The second DCALFA conference — short for Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance — brought together farmers, fishers, youth, policy makers, and technical experts to share knowledge and build lasting partnerships across the region.
DCALFA was founded in 2023 with one clear mission: create stronger, more self-reliant food systems in the Caribbean. The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten face similar challenges in agriculture and food production. This alliance is helping them move forward — together.
Real collaboration, real results
The week-long event kicked off with a formal opening by Bonaire’s Lieutenant Governor John Soliano, Commissioner Anjelica Cicilia, and DCALFA President Nathalie Maduro from Aruba. Around 55 participants took part in workshops, project presentations and working sessions.
One major milestone was the official launch of the new DCALFA website. An online hub to support year-round communication and idea exchange. The program also highlighted innovative local initiatives such as BonCirc and PHITO, and offered fresh insight into the status of the region’s fisheries.
Learning from each other, on land and at sea
A key part of the conference was a series of field visits to local farms, fisheries and food innovators. From Kunuku Copacabana to the Daily Catch Fishermen’s Market, from Tera Barra native garden to the Nature Cooking School — participants got a firsthand look at Bonaire’s creative approach to food production and sustainability.
These site visits were more than just tours. They sparked meaningful conversations. “It’s empowering to see how much we can learn from each other, even across different islands,” one farmer said.
Facing the future, together
On May 22, the group gathered for a policy roundtable featuring Aruba’s Minister Geoffrey Wever, Bonaire’s Commissioner Cicilia, and Hamza Kacha of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Climate and Green Growth.
Local farmers, fishers and young leaders shared their challenges and hopes. Key topics included making locally produced food more accessible, supporting the next generation of farmers, and ensuring sustainable growth for small-scale producers.
A regional alliance with momentum
The conference ended with a planning session for the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding in 2026, which will be hosted by St. Maarten. As part of the closing program, participants also joined Bonaire’s LVV Open Day on May 24 to celebrate local agriculture with the wider community.
DCALFA President Nathalie Maduro summed up the week with a hopeful message:
“We are building more than food systems. We are building a resilient future for our islands together.”
