PM confident that agriculture can contribute 700 million dollars to Dominica’s economy by 2030

Audience at the consultation – photo courtesy Prime Minister Skerrit’s Facebook page

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has expressed confidence in his government’s target of a 700 million dollar economic return from the agricultural sector within the next eight years.

During a Value Chain Stakeholder Consultation held last week at the Goodwill Parish Hall, Skerrit stated that currently, agriculture in Dominica contributes approximately $230 million to the economy based on figures from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

However, he said his government plans to keep growing the sector to a level where it can triple that amount by 2030.

While he notes that there may be some who may feel that this is over-ambitious, he feels confident that with a concerted effort and “coordinated approach of all stakeholders working in unison and focusing on that,” this can be achieved before the  2030 deadline.

As to how this will be accomplished, the Prime Minister who is also the Minister for Finance, disclosed that the government will assist those in the sector to increase their productive capacity and efficiency by incentivizing more women and young people to get involved in agriculture as a full-time profession.

“There is money to be made from the sector. If the approach is business-like, returns on the sale of agricultural produce can range in the millions on a monthly basis. There is also the constant need for innovation in agriculture. Farmers must keep adapting to extreme climate and weather patterns and find new ways to increase their yields from the land,” he said.

Skerrit also pledged, on behalf of his government, to help local farmers improve efficiency through the application of technology to include farm automation, digitalization, and other more familiar methods such as hydroponics, crop rotation and greenhouse technologies.

He further announced that the government will continue its support of farmers through the provision of financial support, equipment and supplies and the construction of farm access roads.

“As we speak, contracts totaling in excess of $22 million have been contracted to improve farm access roads in many communities across Dominica,” the Prime Minister stated. “We will take action to further penetrate the regional market and increase the sale of Dominican products to our sister islands. We are doing well with the sale of ground provisions, such as Dasheen and sweet potatoes and yams, as well as plantain. But there is potential for a vast increase in the sale of Dominican produce abroad.”

He reported that the government will establish an agri-marketing arm with the Ministry of Trade and Enterprise Development, In the mould of Discover Dominica Authority which is a marketing agency for tourism, to seek additional markets and promote the sale of Dominican produce in the region and further afield.

“The agency will take a focused approach to corner the market and ensure a steady flow of agricultural produce for sale abroad,” he announced.

Skerrit also highlighted the establishment of the Agricultural Development Authority which will have as its mandate, the linking of production to market to research and development. The agency will comprise both public and private sector interests.

“My view is that this agency will coordinate all aspects of production and marketing and also oversee technology introduction and adaptation, plans propagation and financing to support the commercialization of agricultural production, and agribusiness,” he said.

The head of government stressed that the construction of an international airport will allow stakeholders in the sector to expand their international market reach to satisfy the demand which will be created by increased air access.

He promised that his government will encourage diversification into non-traditional high-value fruits and vegetables, such as cantaloupes, strawberry, blueberry, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and many others.

As part of his administration’s initiative to target young and middle-age professionals into the sector,  Skerrit revealed that government will provide an amount of land, greenhouses, planting material, an irrigation system and labour for six months.

He is hopeful that participants will manage this venture through a cooperative or company in an organized way, which guarantees maximum return on investment, youth employment and Food and Nutritional Security.

“For our part, in addition to all the facilities provided for startup, we will assist you to access buyers and new markets. This is my commitment to you. And as we are doing with our discussion on the value chain today, my office will organize a similar conversation in the coming weeks with those of you who are interested,” he said.

And so you can expect us to step up our marketing campaign not only to find sales for your product but also to remove the stigma that agriculture is for poor rural folks. Those of us who own and operate farms know this is far from the truth, Skerrit added.

He cautioned that if agriculture is to be seen as a means to earn substantial income, then it must be approached with diligence, and a willingness to work hard.

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20 Comments

  1. Simple
    March 23, 2022

    I hope allu realize is evil , voodoo dat have skerrit dere eh. De candle burning every day. De lady on top of things for him..where are De praying people in De country. Those pastors self taking all the jumble money so they shut up..let’s pray out Mr. Join with me. If two agree it will be done..skerrot evil not stronger than God

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  2. D/can to d bone
    March 23, 2022

    “PM confident” SMH
    Whey whey whey so long de farmers crying out and all of a sudden now u know agri can bring millions. Boy skerrot wicked eh. Well doh think dat money going in your pocket like cbi funds. Now it’s harder for us now your eyes open…you taking all the country money to shut up people when you should be promoting agri. Doh worry skerrit your day will come..I know u cannot sleep you must taken Valium. Awha we. Then again is the people dat put u there…

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  3. Bring back the kidnapped parrots
    March 22, 2022

    Yours truly the illustrious PM has not cared about agriculture the last 22 years all of a sudden he cares. He is responsible for the lack of cultivation on prime land on Dominica. Is it because he and his friends C B I illegal money pot is about to dry up and he may have to sell his mansion to get passport money? He may still be able to sell passports to Russians fleeing their country to save his mansion. The bank where he hides all the C B I peoples money may have informed him that he will soon have a huge millions of dollars overdraft with penalties so he is panicking. Inquiring minds would like to know the facts. Start the investigation.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 0
  4. March 22, 2022

    There have been lots of argument in the public domain about who is responsible for the destruction of the Agricultural sector in Dominica. I still find it most incomprehensible, that a Government would spend it’s entire twenty-two (22) years of governance blaming the previous administration for the demise of that sector in just the four (4) years that it served. Isn’t it imperative of the DLP (Labar) to fix things for the economic betterment of the Nation on a whole. What I find amazing is that you spent the capital of the country (CBI) monies building and giving free houses to Lazy non-productive (DLP) supporters like “The Voice”; “Simeon” and others, instead of developing (Agriculture) the life blood of this country along with Tourism and Manufacturing which would have complemented the fragile CBI (get rich quick scheme) that you were warned about “”HARD HEADED””..

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 0
  5. Jonathan Y St Jean
    March 22, 2022

    Now that the US and the EU are tightening the screws on the corrupt version of the CBi program by Skerritt’s government all of a sudden talk about agriculture is bright again. The next level is only a drizzle and not a shower as he had hoped. Having a fake doctorate doesn’t make someone smart. Can you believe that it’s after Skerritt got his fake doctorates that he allowed Ross university to leave the island and now he’s got the CBI program which he inherited from past administrations, headed to the rocks to crash. Smart leaders know that development of their economies can only happen by developing all sectors in tandem, not by neglecting all others and focussing on only one. Tighten your belts Dominca and put on your life vests because choppy waters are here and the boat hasn’t been well captained. Examine the horns of the captain and his crew, there are traitors onboard.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 0
  6. LifeandDeath
    March 22, 2022

    When CBI was making money for them to fill their pockets there was no talk of Agriculture, now the program may shrink, or worse disappear completely, he speaks “Agriculture”, when we could have had this going for 20 years already. That is reproach in the face of Skerrit.
    Dominican will agree that this is the best industry for Dominica but please Skerrit don’t try and hug all the credit and praises. Stop It!!
    Now, please find affordable vehicles for every farmer, too many farmers struggle to go to their farms, and transport their produce. Many farmers who have had vehicles in the past find it impossible to replace them. The costs are prohibitive.
    So, Agriculture is the way, but Skerrit must stop pretending that he came up with an original idea, this industry have been languishing for decades under your watch.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 0
  7. March 22, 2022

    “If is not passport, then what else?” Mr. Prime Looser as young boy growing up in the agricultural hot bread of the north didn’t you see how agriculture was the backbone of the farmers of Cotton, Pie, Penville, even as far as Dos ‘Dane (Tri gain) that your area farmers would walk to bring riches to your village of Vielle-Case? You were not too young to see that, because you have always been a smart behind. I am sure you know that your dad (dad ehh!!!) maintained his livelihood on agriculture (and marijuana too). So how dear you Mr. Prime Looser at your adult age can only believe now that agriculture can bring $30 million is 7.5yrs? If you were not a prime (what you are right now) you would have seen that agriculture was that backbone of Dominica. You and your greedy lump of protoplasm(s) killed and bury agriculture and now you are seeking to invoke it. It is not to late but for you Prime Looser it is too late. To late is your cry.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 0
  8. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    March 22, 2022

    Agriculture is the science or practice of farming, including the cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, and other products, as it relates to Dominica.

    Since there are a very large variety of products which are grown and falls in the category of agriculture, I would like Roosevelt to state from what type or Animal products, vegetables and other products he hopes to sell to bring in seven ($700,000,000.00) hundred million dollars in revenue in the next nine years.

    This guy has the ability to build a mountain out of smoke mixed with thin air, he sits and spew nonsense out of his mouth; while his dumbfounded supporters sit their listening to Roosevelt hogwash then goes home and suffer.

    When the term agriculture is utilized in Dominica, people’s first intuitions are bananas. Fact is if that is the impression Roosevelt is creating, be reminded people there are no official market for Dominica bananas, or any other agricultural…

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
  9. Hardlysoft
    March 22, 2022

    20 years later and the king shingle-bat still trying to find it’s way out de cave! We are still struggling with the Top-down style of leadership. The consultation exercise should be about what the people want but instead it seems to be about hype.
    All the agriculture agencies mentioned seems like DEXIA fate is already predetermined.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 1
  10. denise
    March 21, 2022

    We need a state-wide agriculture campaign. Agriculture is a multi million dollar business is Dominica with ZERO dollars spent on advertising. There are ads for supermarkets and everyday processed foods are being advertised, and no national campaign, no billboards, no tv ads, no radio ads to push people to eat healthy eat local. Only when creole season comes around it is important.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  11. MAGWA CA
    March 21, 2022

    choooooooopppppppssss

  12. Dominican Bwoi
    March 21, 2022

    He really means $1.2 billion but $500 million is going to “mysteriously” find its way into Skerrits pocket :lol:

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 1
  13. Ibo France
    March 21, 2022

    After twenty two (22) years of consecutive rule by DLP and Skerrit, agriculture and agro processing were dealt a near fatal blow. Bananas, in particular, took a decapitating hit.

    As CBI is under serious threat of survival, Skerrit has come in desparation to propagandize about resurrecting agriculture to its former glory. This is similar to a cold blooded, mass murderer weeping over the deaths of his victims.

    This is straight from Vladimir Putin’s propaganda diary. Bomb a shelter for infants then assuringly declared he is ensuring that he protects civilians from all harm and danger. Both men have an intense disdain for the TRUTH.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 2
    • March 23, 2022

      That goal will be realized as long as the hairy-nostril Carbon is not the Agriculture Minister anymore and pants-down Julie Timothy is not the Finance Minister. Two misfits. The former is a Licensed Agricultural Clown and the latter is a self-styled CPA, all part of the UWP cabal.

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 0 Thumb down 16
  14. JAH KAL
    March 21, 2022

    Skerrit you a waist of time you full of xxxxxx all of a sudden agriculture agriculture. After 22years what happen you running from the real issue, your government said it was a has been industry man it’s time to go and if Dominican after all what’s going on they don’t force u out send your goons and tear gas the whole country. IT’S TIME TO GO.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 2
  15. Let’s talk
    March 21, 2022

    PM Skerrit, we know there is an undoing war between your friend Russia’s Putin and Ukraine. In a war we know not every soldier and every nation that’s physically on the battlefield and we know some are just armor bearers while some are just preparing meals etc. But PM in the case of Dominica what’s our role in this war? Are we, through you, your ambassador and administration supplying Russians with important weapons like Dominica passport so they could use them to attack countries like the US, UK and the EU and then use our passports to run? Let’s talk about this PM and not about agriculture that you killed, buried and destroyed since you came in office in 2004

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 2
  16. Shaka zulu
    March 21, 2022

    I have come to the conclusion that Dominicans really hate themselves or they hate each other. 2030 will be 30 years with this clown in government. Ask yall selves a few questions. Have i been able to grow financial security in the last 20 years? Were my ability to buy land build a house provide for myself better than that of my Parents? Have i been able to use my full potential in my country? Are my kids and grand kids future bright because i gave them a start? The PM is quoting stats from the ECCB. Where is the info fron our own statistics division? where are the projections and data from our various ministries we pay? Farm inputs are raided by Min of Gov in the north. Former slaves yet to own land but wealthy CBI crooks own half the country. After 20 years instead of talking about strides you are talking about fantasy. A kid born in 1990 under this administration will be 40 by 2030 and never know what it is like to buy a piece of land, build a home and be truly independent.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 1
  17. One Love
    March 21, 2022

    The question to Roosevelt Skerrit is, PM Skerrit, how many of our passports you sold to known terrorist of Syria and, how many you sold to the Talibans ? In fact the number might be so high that you can’t even remember so let me make it easier for you. Mr Skerrit, since you established that secret deal with Syria last week and since the Russian invasion can you please tell us how many passports you and your agents armed terrorist Syrians and Talibans with?I I don’t want to hear your sh.. about agriculture because you killed it longtime

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 1
  18. The Evil man
    March 21, 2022

    All of a sudden all this evil and wicked man talks about is agriculture. Didn’t he know that before? So it took him 20 years in office to know agriculture was contributing over $7 million annually? But he destroyed agriculture for the sale of our passports to known terrorists like Syrians and the Talibans and because he is caught from scandal after the other he talking agriculture so those blind and deaf supporters of his don’t hear about the mess he has put Dominica in? What a damn heartless and evil man!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 1
  19. Robertson
    March 21, 2022

    Oh, all of a sudden agriculture is in again? Skerrit, you are full of it. Do us all a favour and go.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 57 Thumb down 2

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