The Dominican government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate the nation’s once-flourishing citrus industry, marking a significant agricultural development for the Eastern Caribbean nation. Agriculture Minister Hon. Roland Royer announced the ambitious initiative during a recent consultation with East Coast farmers in Castle Bruce, outlining a multi-faceted approach to agricultural restoration.
Minister Royer identified citrus as a cornerstone of the government’s ‘five C’s’ agricultural development framework—citrus, cocoa, coffee, coconut, and cannabis—which are receiving prioritized support for expanded production. The government is currently propagating over 50,000 citrus plants specifically designated for distribution to both former and current citrus farmers, with particular attention to those operating within optimal agro-ecological zones to ensure cultivation success.
This intervention addresses a critical shortage of planting materials that had precipitated the industry’s decline in recent years, despite Dominica’s historical reputation as a Caribbean citrus leader. Minister Royer acknowledged that while private sector propagation had diminished, the government has assumed responsibility for rebuilding the agricultural foundation.
A centerpiece of the revitalization effort is a $7.7 million Citrus Certification Facility currently under construction at Londonberry, which is approximately 90% complete and expected to become operational within months. This advanced infrastructure will serve as a regional benchmark for producing disease-free, pest-resistant citrus plants, positioning Dominica among a select group of Caribbean nations with such sophisticated agricultural technology.
The facility is designed to sustainably generate at least 50,000 citrus plants per production cycle, creating a resilient foundation for long-term industry growth. Minister Royer emphasized that the government’s comprehensive approach extends beyond immediate plant distribution to include ongoing consultations across agricultural regions in the coming weeks, ensuring continuous stakeholder engagement and adaptive strategy implementation.
The citrus initiative represents a significant component of Dominica’s broader agricultural and economic development strategy, potentially creating new export opportunities and strengthening the nation’s blue and green economy objectives.