Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news!

Subscribe I am already a subscriber

You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker).

As we provide the news for free, we are relying on revenues from our banners. So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site.
Thanks!

Click here for a guide on disabling your adblocker.

Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news!

Subscribe I am already a subscriber

Dominica invests EC$7.9M in citrus certification facility to boost production and resilience

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of Dominica has entrusted ACE Engineering with the construction of a citrus certification facility in Woodford Hill, aiming to elevate the nation's citrus production standards. This EC$7.9 million project is part of the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (EALCRP), designed to revitalize agricultural livelihoods and fortify climate resilience post-Hurricane Maria.

The facility, located at the Woodford Hill Agricultural Station, will provide essential testing and certification services, alongside training for farmers to augment citrus production. ACE Engineering, recognized for its proficiency in infrastructural projects, will helm the construction, which includes the establishment of a Potting House and additional structures for enhanced security and site management.

During the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit highlighted the government's commitment to agricultural investment, noting the citrus industry's potential for economic growth. He emphasized the need for private sector involvement in agriculture, citing tax exemptions as an incentive for investment.

Agriculture Minister Roland Royer remarked on the facility's role in restoring certification capabilities, aligning with international standards, and bolstering the industry's resilience. The initiative also aims to increase production, improve quality, and expand market access, positioning Dominica as a regional leader in citrus production.

Finance Minister Irving McIntyre linked the project to the government's broader agricultural goals, including increasing production to reduce imports and enhance exports. He also noted the project's alignment with national health objectives by promoting the local production of juices over imported sugary beverages.

The citrus industry is a vital component of the Caribbean's economy, with many nations exporting citrus fruits. In Dominica, citrus production, alongside bananas and coconuts, is a cornerstone of the export industry, primarily centered in the Layou River Valley.

This initiative underscores Dominica's efforts to overcome challenges posed by climate change and pests, aiming to sustain a robust citrus industry and contribute significantly to the nation's economic development.

Source: Associates Times

Publication date: