Dominica Strengthening Food Security Amid Global Trade Tensions, Agriculture Minister Urges “Eat What We Grow.”
by Curvia John
As global trade tensions escalate, Caribbean nations are bracing for the economic ripple effects, particularly in the food and agriculture sector. In Dominica, however, strategic investments are helping to strengthen the island’s food security and economic resilience, according to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Hon. Roland Royer.
The region is expected to face increased production costs for farmers and elevated consumer prices as a result of rising prices for essential agricultural imports. These pressures could deepen the Caribbean’s reliance on food imports and strain local economies.
The Agriculture Minister says the government of Dominica has taken a proactive approach.
“In Dominica, we have been working towards building a resilient agriculture sector post Hurricane Maria, which caters to external shocks such as this current trade war,” Minister Royer stated.
Over the past several years, the government has funneled over $75 million into the Agriculture Livelihoods Project, with an additional $25 million earmarked for investment by the end of 2025. More than $40 million has also been spent on rehabilitating feeder roads across the island, a project that will continue until all major roads have been restored.
“Thus far, these investments have triggered an increase in crop and livestock production and fisheries which is reflected in an increase in agricultural contribution to GDP,” said Hon. Royer.
As part of its strategy to boost food and nutrition security, the government has allocated over $7 million to build climate-resilient livestock pens and is currently constructing a $6.4 million abattoir for chicken and pork. This development is expected to reduce the importation of these meats by 25% by the year 2030.
“The Ministry will continue to expand its import substitution program into high-value crops such as tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower spring boarding from the gains made in the production of white potatoes,” Minister Royer said.
He encouraged citizens to eat more of the locally grown produce.
“Critical to weathering the impact of these global trade tensions is that we need to increase local production and eat what we grow,” he urged. “We need to consume much more of what we produce and let us be less reliant on imported goods. I think it is a perfect opportunity for our farmers to plant more as there will be a huge demand for fresh produce both locally and in the region.”
