Building a Sustainable Food Future: Highlights from DCALFA Bonaire

The second DCALFA conference in Bonaire brought together Dutch Caribbean islands and the European Netherlands to advance regional cooperation in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. Highlighting innovation and dialogue, the event showcased the Phito project—an app empowering farmers through digital connectivity. Together, these efforts mark important steps toward a more resilient and sustainable food future in the Caribbean.

From 19–23 May 2025, Bonaire proudly hosted the second Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Alliance (DCALFA) conference—a vibrant gathering that united representatives from all six Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten) along with a delegation from the European Netherlands. The goal of DCALFA is to work collaboratively toward a sustainable and resilient future for agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in the region–key building blocks for a sustainable food future.

This unique conference served as a powerful platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange, following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the six Dutch Caribbean islands in June 2023. Since then, the islands have been actively committed to closer cooperation and active communication to improve food security and increase local food production–the critical components of a sustainable food future in the Caribbean context. DCALFA serves as the central connector between the Dutch Caribbean islands, playing a key role in promoting sustainable practices in the primary sectors and supporting farmers, livestock keepers, fishers, and the wider community. The mission of the alliance includes advancing sustainable agriculture, improving animal health and productivity, and ensuring responsible fisheries management—all vital contributions to a shared sustainable food future across the region.

Phito: Technology That Connects and Empowers Farmers for the Sustainable Food Future

One of the highlights of the five-day conference was the presentation by Teun Vogel of the Phito project—an innovative initiative developing a mobile app tailored to the needs of farmers in diverse food systems. The Phito project was introduced to around 55 conference participants, including government officials, agricultural cooperatives, young entrepreneurs, and sector experts, as a forward-looking contribution to building a sustainable food future.

With Aruba and Bonaire participating in this project as a food system, the Phito App will offer practical guidance on agricultural practices, but it goes far beyond that. It aims to create a connected ecosystem—linking farmers with each other and with restaurants, retailers, input suppliers, and more: a truly immersive and empowering platform that supports the transition to a sustainable food future.

A Conference of Innovation, Dialogue, and Vision

The DCALFA conference featured hands-on workshops, interactive field visits, and in-depth discussions. Notably, the official launch of the DCALFA website created a new digital hub for information sharing across the islands. A panel discussion brought together leaders like Bonaire’s Commissioner Anjelica Cicilia, St. Eustatius’ Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam, and Aruba’s Minister Geoffrey Wever to discuss a shared vision for regional food security.

“The conference was not just a reflection of the progress we’ve made, but a glimpse of what we can achieve together”

DCALFA President Nathalie Maduro

Phito’s online presentation highlighted an example of how innovation can help accelerate this future.

For more information about the DCALFA conference, please visit:

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