The Government of Dominica has unveiled a groundbreaking agricultural initiative designed to transform the nation’s farming landscape and economic prospects. Minister of Agriculture Roland Royer announced the Cabinet-approved Agricultural Land Lease Facility, a strategic program specifically targeting young farmers and agro-entrepreneurs.
During a recent press conference, Minister Royer emphasized the program’s significance as both an economic catalyst and food security measure. The initiative, approved on January 14, 2026, will make state-owned lands available at the symbolic rate of EC$1.00 per acre annually for an initial five-year term. Lease renewals will be contingent upon demonstrated agricultural activity.
This policy directly addresses one of the most persistent barriers to agricultural development: land accessibility. Royer explained that the structured, transparent leasing agreements will enable a new generation of farmers to plan, invest, and scale production with unprecedented confidence. The program forms part of the government’s commitment in the 2025-2026 budget to allocate at least 300 acres of state-owned land across multiple regions specifically for agricultural development.
The designated sites encompass strategically chosen locations throughout Dominica, including Newfoundland Estate, Londonderry Estate, Woodford Hill-Mango Gutter, Wesley-Joe Burton, Morne Prosper, Charlotte Valley, Savanne York, Williams Settlement, Wotten Waven, Blenheim Estate, Pointe Mulatre Estate-Fond Thomas, Hertford Estate-Warner, and Richmond Estate in Castle Bruce.
Minister Royer projected that the initiative would stimulate private investment, accelerate adoption of advanced technologies, and promote climate-resilient production systems. The program represents a cornerstone of the government’s comprehensive strategy to expand agricultural output while working toward the ambitious national target of having the sector contribute $700 million to GDP by 2030.