10-year investment program in pipeline to focus on organic sector

Plans are afoot to transform Dominica into an environmentally sound organic nation.

Government, together with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other stakeholders are deliberating on a ten-year investment program as a major step towards achieving the goal.

When formulated, the ten-year investment program estimated at US$150 million will be presented to an international donors’ and business partners’ meeting, to be convened in partnership with UNEP later this year.

Minister of Environment, Physical Planning, Fisheries and Natural Resources Dr. Kenneth Darroux, who addressed day one of the national consultation at Fort Young Hotel Thursday said a greater focus on organics will foster new growth in Dominica’s economy.

“The growth of the organic sector demonstrates that organic products are moving from niche markets and are now entering main stream markets. Organic Dominica will therefore provide a comparative advantage for its stable and dynamic economy which will create more and secure jobs and increase incomes resulting in reducing migration. It will serve as a platform to diversify our economy,” Darroux stated.

Nevertheless, Darroux said traditional agriculture will remain a significant part of Dominica’s economy.

Priority Actions for Social and Economic development to support an organic Dominica over the next ten years, the implications of trade in transforming Dominica into an organic island, and other requirements for the 10 year investment program are some of the areas being examined.

The theme of the national consultation is: “Transforming Dominica into an Environmentally Sound Organic Island: Creating an Enabling Environment for Sustainable Development and Economic Growth—Taking it to the next level.”