This paper describes a strategy to implement a seed collection program in Aruba and its relation to agriculture extension. Research results on cowpea are used to illustrate the potential of the strategy and its application to germ plasm conservation and food crops production. For descriptive purposes we have considered the characteristics of cowpea such as chemical composition of seeds, quantitative and qualitative characteristics. As for agriculture extension the motivation, work, attitude and knowledge of consumption preferences are used as basic elements. More research is required to determine production capacity of the traditional food crops in Aruba.