Kralendijk – The Executive Council would like to see more local production of fruit, vegetables and (goat)meet. A concrete aim of the council would be to have 25% of the demand grown locally.

More local production will automatically mean that the island becomes less dependent on expensive imports. The aim of more local production has also been included in the government agreement recently signed between local government and the Government in The Hague.

According to the Executive Council, agriculture to them is a priority, which apart from lowering costs will also generate more local work. The Agriculture, Husbandry and Fisheries department (LVV), provides information about these three sectors and manages the public gardens on the island.

LVV is also responsible for inspecting meat, fish and other animal products and manages the slaughterhouse. A well-functioning slaughterhouse, according to local government, is needed to increase the production of local goat meat. The slaughterhouse must comply with public health standards and animal welfare standards.

LVV to be transformed into ‘Center of Expertise’
In the vision of the Executive Council, it is necessary to transform the LVV into a center of expertise and to set up a testing ground for agriculture and horticulture. The idea is to encourage and support entrepreneurs to invest in these projects. The land held by the local Government is being developed for the cultivation of food.

The reorganization of LVV will start in the first quarter of 2019. The Dutch cabinet will make approximately 1.6 million euros available for the construction of the slaughterhouse and the professionalization of goat farming.