Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture with specific responsibility for Agro-Processing, Lakeyia Joseph stated that the government aims to elevate agriculture beyond traditional practices, focusing on agro-processing and to provide support to farmers and processors in Dominica.
She was delivering remarks at the official launching ceremony of The Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (EALCRP) through the Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC) for agro-processors and farmers held at the Roseau Fisheries Complex on Wednesday.
“Over the next few years we aim to revolutionize and solidify our relationship with the land that sustains us, with an infusion of an additional, just about 8 million US dollars into the Contingency Emergency Response Component we stand prepared to face the crisis ahead together,” She said. “This is our commitment to not just surviving, but thriving in the face of challenges.”
Joseph continued, “We aim to elevate agriculture beyond traditional practices, focusing on agro-processing valued addition and the entire value chain directly supporting over 600 farmers and processors in their endeavours to contribute meaningfully to the Dominican economy.”
According to her, this initiative is more than just an investment, it is a testament of the government’s belief in the power of agriculture to drive economic growth, improve livelihood, and ensure food security.
“To the youth, the spirited souls of Dominica, this is your time,” she encouraged. “The horizon of opportunities stretches wide before you…with the promise of up to EC$40,000 in grant funding for your enterprises.”
Meanwhile, Agricultural Specialist, Natasha Jones said the project will target over 100 agro-processors
“Today the project will launch component C which speaks to the value addition of fresh produce, meats, fish, and edible oils,” she revealed. “The project will target 120 agro-processors which includes; 60 micro, 40 small, and 20 medium enterprises which will be categorized accordingly.”
She indicated that agro-processors have been relaying their material needs with respect to assistance in the purchasing of equipment, appliances, raw materials, packaging materials, product labeling, and other essential supplies.
Jones went on to state that since the agricultural supply chain commences at the farm level, intervention under CERC includes, “enhancing harvest and post-harvest management to boost consistency in quality, and marketability through the provision of harvesting and post-harvesting equipment.”
She said, therefore, the project will target commercial farmers of both crop and livestock as beneficiaries.
“The aim is to target approximately 400 crops and 100 livestock commercial farmers,” Jones said.
I would like the government to show me their track record on agricultural production since they took office. If they can show me that under their tenure they have grown the industry, then I will believe they can go one step further to developing the agro processing industry.
As far as I have seen, agricultural production has decreased under their watch. What confidence can one have that they can growth a downstream industry when we have seen a decline in the primary product.
here are following thing that needs to be done in order for this to be successful
1- commercial rates for electricity must be lowered tremendously
2- u need to ensure whatever u are processing is available 12 months of the year otherwise this will end up like our coffee plant at 1 mile in possie
3- u need to ensure u have external market for items
4- u need drop port rates for export on goods being shipped out of da
5- and good incentives must be given to investors
6- rent on shed or building must be low
7- protection must be given to prevent cheaper goods from outside to be imported
Anything to improve agriculture and more particularly agro-processing is an excellent thing. We must not only cultivate crops but use these to make other products.For example:
Banana- crispy banana chips, banana bottled drinks
Sweet & White potato -chips
Peanuts – peanut butter
Aloe Vera – hair and skin products, laxatives
There should be this caveat: Those farmers who do not support the Labour Party need NOT apply.
“Those farmers who do not support the Labour Party need NOT apply.” Rubbish – leave the politics out of it. Involve individuals who are interested in agriculture and are able to or readily trained to produce crops successfully. Many Agricultural programs have failed because the selection criteria was primarily politics with little or no interest or training in agriculture – except to eat.
Why don’t you enjoy your sunset years in peace and stay out of politics? We do not need your advice and recommendations. You have done absolutely nothing to uplift your country and the development of its people. All you do is talk and write BS every God-given day.
How do I apply?
Just wishful thinking and that’s all. It will never happen under this government; Never. You mean after almost a quarter century in office and the death and burial of agriculture the labor party keep fooling people and playing politics with the word “agriculture”? Agriculture is just a bargaining chips which doesn’t produce any real fruits. If another government brings up this topic, then, and only then we can be hopeful. Roosevelt continues to lie and fool people! And believe me; he will never change unless he’s changed.
And just what are your thinking? at least, we are wishful thinking and hopefully our wishful thinking will come to fruition. Stop jumping on the band wagon and think for yourself.
Ms. Joseph, apart from grants being available, agro processors need adequate production space. Not a small shared space in no incubator set up but an actual production facility for their growth, capacity building and expansion. Please push for development of new industrial sites. proper ones for our agro processors.
” … it’s a testament to the government’s belief in Agriculture to drive economic growth …” When I say that our leaders are LIARS, Labour Power and others get in a frenzy and launch vitriol. Truths may be debatable but facts are irrefutable. Remember the cry : if not passports, then what ?
Keep taking those who refuse to think on your train of deception and destruction. They like it so.
I don’t know much about this ,but surely 🤔 they need new technology and modern equipment to turnout large numbers of Juice, plantain chips ect .oils soaps etc .Put your shoulder to the wheel 🛞 and let’s work together. Even help with rum and new craft beers .come on after all.