Cabinet Approves the Establishment of an Agricultural Land Lease Facility Targeting Young Farmers
Cabinet, at its meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, approved the establishment of an Agricultural Land Lease Facility targeting young farmers and aimed at promoting investment in agriculture, aquaculture, mariculture, agro-processing and forestry.
The Facility will operationalise Government’s commitment under the 2025 – 2026 Budget to make available a minimum of 300 acres of State land across Dominica for exclusive agricultural use. Identified sites include Newfoundland Estate, Londonderry Estate, Woodfordhill-Mango Gutter, Wesley-Joe Burton area, Morne Prosper, Charlotte Valley, Savanne York, Williams Settlement, Wotten Waven, Blenheim Estate, Pointe Mulatre Estate-Fond Thomas, Hertford Estate-Warner and Richmond Estate, Castle Bruce.
Cabinet approved:
- The allocation of State lands for agricultural leasing, with parcels ranging from 1 to 5 acres, leased at EC$1.00 per acre per annum for the first five (5) years, with an option to renew subject to continued agricultural use.
- The appointment of a Technical Advisory Committee to oversee farmer selection and placement, guide enterprise development, recommend training, provide technical support and assist with investment planning and market access.
- The engagement of a Pupil Surveyor on contract as Agricultural Land Lease Technician to manage applications, surveys, lease administration, compliance monitoring, database development, and serve as Secretary to the Technical Advisory Committee.
- The adoption of standardised lease terms and conditions, including exclusive agricultural use, five-year lease term, restrictions on subletting and habitation, compliance monitoring and automatic termination for breach.
- Eligibility criteria targeting young and land-constrained farmers, including active involvement or proposals in agricultural production, farmer registration, valid Produce Sellers’ Licence and compliance with Social Security requirements.
The Facility is intended to increase agricultural production, support young farmers, strengthen food security and drive sustainable rural economic development.
