Sunday's fifth Agricultural Fair (see Monday paper) was undoubtedly an eye-opener for many who took the trouble to attend. Farming on the island is often met with some degree of scepticism and even disbelief, due to the lack of appropriate flat terrain and because tourism is, after all, the name of the game when it comes to the economy.

Both statements are correct, but that does not mean St. Maarten/St. Martin should give up entirely on the efforts to grow more of its own food, certainly when considering the recent development of global consumer prices. In truth, those present at the Bellevue market gardens again reported amazement at the variety of locally produced goods available.

What is commendable in this case is also that it regards a private initiative by a group that considers planting a way of life and does so out of conviction. This means that while the project is getting some financial backing it did not depend on such to get off the ground, which is of key importance in terms of sustainability.

Crucial, however, was the support of French-side Senator Louis Constant-Fleming, who loaned the land to the association back in 2006 to make it all possible. It is an example of acting in the general interest that large property owners on the Dutch side can take to heart.

Of course, there is no way all that both the island's residents and its visitors eat can be grown here, but with modern techniques it should be possible to produce a larger part. This also would help decrease at least somewhat the dependency on imports that makes "The Friendly Island" so vulnerable, as a recent incident involving a freighter that shipwrecked on its way here showed.

Every little bit helps.