In a significant political development on January 26, 2026, the United Progressive Party (UPP) has extended conditional support to the Dominican government’s newly announced Agricultural Land Lease Facility. Under the leadership of attorney Joshua Francis, the opposition party acknowledged the potential merits of the program designed to facilitate young farmers’ access to agricultural land at dramatically reduced costs.
The groundbreaking initiative, championed by Agriculture Minister Hon. Roland Royer as “a doorway to food security and economic growth,” offers agricultural parcels at a symbolic lease rate of just EC$1.00 per acre annually during an initial five-year term, with provisions for renewal. This unprecedented pricing structure represents a deliberate strategy to eliminate financial barriers that traditionally prevent youth from entering the agricultural sector.
Despite endorsing the concept’s fundamental principles, UPP leader Francis issued a comprehensive critique regarding the program’s implementation framework. In an official party release, Francis questioned whether the initiative constitutes a genuine economic development strategy or merely represents political maneuvering to bolster support for the ruling Dominica Labour Party.
“Access to land is only the first step,” Francis emphasized. “Without adequate training, resources, and market access, we risk setting up our young farmers for failure rather than success.”
The UPP’s analysis identified six critical areas requiring immediate governmental clarification and commitment:
1. Technical Education: The necessity for structured agricultural education programs covering modern farming techniques, soil management, pest control, and sustainable practices, alongside available extension services and expert mentorship.
2. Resource Allocation: Financial and material support mechanisms for initial farming activities, including seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and irrigation systems that remain prohibitively expensive for new entrants.
3. Market Security: Pre-arranged sales channels through agreements with local retailers, hospitality establishments, and export partners to guarantee produce distribution.
4. Income Bridging: Support systems during cultivation periods when crops mature, addressing both personal and operational expenses.
5. Infrastructure Development: Commitments to essential infrastructure including farm access roads, water supply systems, and post-harvest facilities.
6. Risk Mitigation: Insurance options and disaster relief programs specifically designed to protect against Dominica’s vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms.
Francis highlighted historical precedents where well-intentioned programs failed due to inadequate planning and execution. He urged the government to present a detailed implementation blueprint addressing these concerns before encouraging young farmers to participate.
The UPP reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural development as fundamental to Dominica’s food security, rural enterprise growth, economic resilience, and employment generation. Expressing willingness to collaborate constructively with government and stakeholders, Francis called for active engagement with farmers’ associations and agricultural experts to develop a comprehensive support framework that ensures the Land Lease Facility becomes a genuine catalyst for positive transformation rather than another missed opportunity.
The party concluded by reiterating its dedication to policies fostering economic growth, social justice, and sustainable development for all Dominican citizens.
