LVV Bonaire is working hard to become a knowledge and business center for agriculture, livestock farming and fisheries on the island.
Farming on Bonaire comes with its own set of challenges. The island’s dry, semi-arid climate and limited freshwater resources make large-scale agriculture difficult, and much of the food consumed locally has traditionally been imported. Against this backdrop, initiatives that support local growers and fishers play an important role in building a more resilient and self-sufficient food system for the island.
LVV as a Knowledge Center
As a knowledge center, LVV shares expertise, information and advice to support Bonaire’s agricultural, livestock and fisheries sectors. It does this through research, extension services, and workshops and training programs. In recent years, LVV has run a range of courses, from beekeeping to tractor operation and other agricultural topics.
The LVV Business Center
Alongside this, LVV has been developing and managing its business center on the LVV premises. Spanning roughly 50 hectares, the site offers plots for lease to agricultural businesses and entrepreneurs working in horticulture, fruit production, livestock farming and animal feed production. Tenants have access to electricity, water and treated wastewater for irrigation, and LVV supports them further by developing and maintaining infrastructure and facilitating access to equipment and materials. For the fisheries sector, Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) have been deployed to attract pelagic fish.
Seven Businesses, One Site
Several businesses have already set up operations on the LVV site. Seven companies are currently active:
| COMPANY NAME | ACTIVITIES |
| Bonaire Daily Fresh | Hydroponic cultivation of leafy vegetables |
| 8Nature Cooking School | Syntropic farming, educational workshops and cooking classes |
| Agritera | Compost production |
| Queen Clarita | Goat farming and sale of goat burgers |
| All Natural Juice Bar | Coconut plantation, sale of fresh coconut water and production of fruit |
| Hacienda Concepcion | Production of vegetables and fruit |
| Complete Landscaping Services | Production and sale of plants |
Together, these businesses are strengthening local food production on Bonaire through a diverse mix of agricultural activities. Several more entrepreneurs are currently preparing to join them, and LVV plans to keep expanding and developing the business center in the coming years.
Looking Ahead with Phito
Many of these businesses helped test the Phito App and are looking forward to its official launch. They’re especially interested in what it offers: easier access to information and advice to improve their operations, and a direct line to consumers and other stakeholders.
Through its involvement in projects like Phito, LVV is working to support the sustainable development of Bonaire’s agricultural sector, strengthen local food production, and help build greater food security on the island.
Inspired by the Caribbean?
Have you watched and listened to the Phito Stories yet?
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PHITO STORIES | Episode 5
Farming on an island
PHITO RADIO | Dominica
Food security in the Caribbean
PHITO RADIO | Aruba
