Island Council Calls for Structural Support for KRIABON to Strengthen Bonaire’s Food Security
KRALENDIJK – The Island Council of Bonaire wants agricultural cooperative KRIABON to no longer depend on incidental subsidies, but to receive structural support instead. A passed motion calls on the Executive Council to conclude a multi-year performance agreement with the organization in the short term. The goal is to strengthen local agriculture and better secure food security on the island.
According to the motion, Bonaire remains heavily dependent on imported food and agricultural supplies. International price increases, higher transportation costs, and disruptions in the logistics chain therefore have a direct impact on both residents and local farmers. Rising costs of animal feed and other agricultural products are also putting pressure on the continuity of farming operations.
The Island Council points out that Bonaire has set an ambition to produce 25 percent of its food locally. KRIABON plays a key role in achieving this, according to the motion, thanks to its cooperative structure, practical expertise, and direct collaboration with kunukeros (local farmers). The Executive Council has previously provided the organization with incidental financial support, including funding for fencing of agricultural plots and repairs following fire damage.
The motion states that a strong agricultural sector is essential for food security, self-sufficiency, affordable basic provisions, and the fight against poverty on Bonaire. The motion’s sponsors therefore argue that a structural partnership between the Public Entity of Bonaire and KRIABON offers greater continuity and administrative certainty than individual project or emergency subsidies.
Multi-Year Performance Agreement
The Executive Council is tasked with entering into discussions with KRIABON regarding a multi-year performance agreement or a comparable legal arrangement. This agreement must include concrete and measurable commitments covering, among other things, the availability and affordability of animal feed and agricultural supplies, support for kunukeros, accessibility of services, and financial accountability. An investigation must also be conducted into how a structural financial contribution could help partially offset the increased procurement, transportation, and logistics costs.
In addition, the Island Council requests that the Executive Council examine whether a portion of the revenues from the tourist tax and/or the surcharges on the property tax could be used as a funding source for this purpose, to the extent permitted within the applicable legal frameworks.
No later than two months after the motion’s adoption, the Executive Council must inform the Island Council in writing of the outcomes of the consultations with KRIABON, the chosen contractual form, the financial coverage, the proposed performance commitments, and the timeline for implementation.
Read the full motion of the Island Council here
