The pilot project bringing hydroponics to eight Dutch-side schools (see related story) that started in January could not have come at a better time. Funded by the Green Overseas (GO) Programme of the European Union (EU) and implemented by Expertise France, it seeks to strengthen food security and climate resilience through hands-on experience training in hydroponic farming – a water-efficient, soil-less method ideal for the island’s environmental conditions.
With prices for groceries expected to rise sharply due to the emerging global trade war, producing more locally is becoming increasingly urgent. Although not everything consumed by both residents and visitors can obviously be cultivated on-island any time soon, one has to start somewhere.
The “train-the-trainer” nature of this effort means its impact will not be limited to students and teachers of the six primary- and two secondary-education schools directly involved, but spread to others. It is designed to create a ripple effect, building a self-sustaining network of educators and growers.
In addition to supplying fresh produce for school feeding programmes, the initiative is expected to reduce reliance on imported goods, while enhancing access to healthy vegetables and fruit. Over time, it aims to benefit broader communities.
As reported in Monday’s newspaper, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten plans to move ahead with establishing a – long overdue – Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (ALF) agency. The idea is to support those active in the agrarian sector and encourage sustainable food systems.
St. Maarten needs a new generation of farmers.
