Kriabon

Xp Bonaire IslandLife Feature Story

Strengthening Bonaire’s Farming Future Through Community and Innovation

In Bonaire’s arid landscape, agriculture has always been a challenge—but one met with heart, knowledge, and resilience. For over 40 years, Kriabon, the Cooperative Association Bonaire, has stood at the heart of the island’s farming community. Supporting small-scale farmers (kunukeros), Kriabon promotes local food production and provides essential agricultural resources. Today, the organization stands at a pivotal point: recovering from recent setbacks, responding to growing pressures on local agriculture, and preparing to build a new facility to better serve its members.

Rooted in Resilience

Founded in the early 1980s by a group of dedicated farmers, Kriabon was born out of the need for structure, support, and representation in Bonaire’s small but vital agricultural sector. Over time, it developed into a trusted hub that provides supplies, knowledge, and practical support to hundreds of farmers working in demanding conditions.

From its location at Kaminda Jato Bako 55, east of entrance to the barrio of Amboina, Kriabon offers animal feed, vitamins, tools, and gardening and livestock equipment—available to both members and non-members.

Despite its long legacy, Kriabon has faced challenges in recent years. Internal issues temporarily disrupted operations. But with new leadership under manager Reksel Engelhardt and a stable board, the cooperative is undergoing a revival. Today, more than 500 active members are helping write Kriabon’s next chapter.

The Board

Kriabon’s board combines agricultural knowledge with a renewed commitment to transparency and sustainable growth:

• Ing. Reginald (Joonchi) Dortalina (president)

• Nadine Emerenciana (vice president) 

• Dr. Willem Cecilia (secretary/treasurer)

• Jaqueline Sewtahalsing-Frans (board member)

• Ricardo Alberto (bord member) 

• Allan Cicilia (board member)

Together, they are strengthening Kriabon’s operations and restoring its role in Bonaire’s food economy.

The Struggles of Local Farmers

Bonaire’s kunukeros face persistent, sometimes overwhelming challenges. The climate is dry, the soil poor, and rainfall increasingly unpredictable. Water is expensive—relying on desalination—making irrigation difficult or unaffordable for many.

Farmers must also deal with predation by stray animals, theft of livestock and tools, and high import costs for supplies that must be shipped from abroad. Delays and shipping fees only add to the strain. Meanwhile, the farming population is aging, and few young people are entering the sector. Without investment in infrastructure and training, the future of local agriculture remains uncertain.

Even so, many remain committed to their land and traditions. Through innovation, cooperation, and deep local knowledge, they keep Bonaire’s agricultural spirit alive.

A Vision for the Future

To better serve its members and help local agriculture thrive, Kriabon is planning the construction of a new modern facility. This center will replace the current aging structure and will include:

• Climate-controlled storage to preserve feed and supplies

• A conference space for workshops, training, and community events

• Meeting rooms and a well-stocked shop with farming essentials

  
  

The building will also support bulk purchasing, which can lower prices and improve availability of goods. It will be a central, professional space that reflects the importance of agriculture in Bonaire’s future.

Construction materials are already on-site, and funding is actively being secured through a combination of Dutch subsidies, local contributions, and support from members. With momentum growing, Kriabon aims to begin construction soon.

Join and Support

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in farming, gardening, or contributing to a stronger local food system. To become a member, individuals pay a one-time registration fee of US$ 13.97 and purchase at least one share valued at US$ 27.93, with the option to buy up to five shares totaling US$ 139.00.

Members receive a 10% discount on purchases, voting rights at general meetings, and a voice in shaping the future of agriculture on Bonaire. By joining Kriabon, you directly support local farmers and help build a more sustainable, self-reliant island community.

Kriabon operates with a small but committed team of three to four staff members. Weekly shipments bring in fresh supplies, and customer service and outreach continue to improve.

By becoming a member, shopping locally, or contributing financially, both residents and visitors help build a more self-sufficient and sustainable Bonaire. In times of global uncertainty, supporting local food production is more important than ever.

Make a Contribution

You can support the new facility and ongoing operations by donating to:

MCB Bank Bonaire

Account Name: Cooperative Association Bonaire (Kriabon)

Account Number: 10 7896 5432

Swift Code: MCBKBQBX

Every contribution helps bring this project—and a stronger agricultural future—closer to reality.

INFO

KriabonKaminda Jato Bako 55, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Caribean Netherlands.

Opening Hours:Monday & Friday: 1:00 PM – 5:45 PMTuesday – Thursday: 2:00 PM – 5:45 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 12:45 PMSunday: Closed

More Info: https://www.facebook.com/kriabon.bonaire