Public invited to ALF Expo 2025, govt moves to build new food economy

GREAT BAY--The Government of St. Maarten, through its Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (ALF) program, is inviting the general public to attend the ALF Expo 2025, an information and networking event focused on building a stronger and more sustainable local food sector.

The ALF Expo 2025 will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the University of St. Martin. Community members, entrepreneurs, investors, students, and anyone interested in the future of local agriculture, livestock and fisheries are encouraged to attend.

The Expo will provide an overview of opportunities across the ALF value chain and show how residents can participate, whether they are seeking knowledge, exploring investment possibilities, or looking to formalize a new or existing business. Representatives from SCDC, Qredits B.V. and the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be on site to offer practical guidance on:

• Capacity building and training
• Funding and financing options
• Business registration and formalization
• Support for entrepreneurs and investors in the ALF sector

Attendees will be able to connect directly with key stakeholders, ask questions, and take concrete steps toward participating in the emerging ALF economy.

ALF Agency to drive long term sector transformation

The Expo also supports the wider strategy of the Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten to develop agriculture, livestock and fisheries as a structured and professional economic pillar. Central to this approach is the planned establishment of the ALF Agency, an autonomous administrative body that will act as regulator, enabler and engine of growth for the sector.

The ALF Agency is expected to oversee quality standards and food safety, provide institutional support to farmers and fishers, coordinate distribution of locally produced goods through integrated supply chains, drive public awareness and education, and support regional trade and logistics. The intention is to build a food system in which residents have reliable access to nutritious, affordable food and agriculture is recognized as a strategic part of the economy.

The current strategy builds on the Agricultural, Livestock and Fisheries (ALF) policy adopted in 2022. That policy will be reviewed and updated to reflect the realities of a post pandemic, climate vulnerable and import dependent society. The Minister has identified 2025 as a year of foundational stabilization, with 2026 earmarked for significant scaling of programs and projects.

Several initiatives are already underway, including the Food Data Quantification Project, sector assessments for poultry and fisheries, and the launch of a low interest agri loan program through Qredits. A Hydroponics Train the Trainer program has been introduced in several schools, and an Agricultural Research Project is in its selection phase.

The Ministry is moving toward the formal establishment of the ALF Agency as a ZBO (Zelfstandig Bestuursorgaan or autonomous administrative body), which will have operational independence while remaining under government oversight. The Agency is projected to assume full responsibility for sector implementation within 18 to 24 months, with full operational status targeted by the end of 2026. This will help relieve the pressure on understaffed departments within TEATT and provide dedicated capacity to drive ALF development.

All residents are encouraged to attend the ALF Expo 2025, learn more about these developments, and explore how they can contribute to and benefit from the growth of the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries sector in St. Maarten.

‍