The Dominican Republic’s eastern province of La Altagracia has solidified its position as the nation’s leading livestock producer, holding a herd of more than 215,000 head of cattle that drives the country’s meat and dairy output, according to the nation’s top agriculture official. Agriculture Minister Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the 35th Eastern Region Agricultural Fair, a multi-day event hosted by the Nisibón Livestock Association (known locally as Agani) in La Otra Banda, Higüey.
During his opening remarks, Minister Espaillat Bencosme emphasized the outsize role that the national livestock sector plays in supporting stable employment, guaranteeing national food security, and fueling growth across regional economies. For small and medium producers across the country, the sector is not just an industry—it is a backbone of rural livelihoods, and the Dominican government remains dedicated to lifting up these producers, he added.
The minister reaffirmed the central government’s long-term commitment to expanding support for livestock producers across the country, outlining key areas of investment: stronger veterinary and animal health monitoring and services, expanded access to professional technical assistance, national programs for cattle genetic improvement, accessible financing options for small-scale operations, and the rollout of new technological innovations designed to lift both overall productivity and producer profitability.
A key highlight of the opening event was the official handover of a fully modern cattle packing plant to Agani, a milestone infrastructure investment that is expected to reinforce the association’s operational capacity, boost the capabilities of hundreds of local producers, and add significant market value to regional livestock output.
Founded more than five decades ago in 1969, Agani currently counts more than 1,000 active members and represents livestock producers across five eastern Dominican provinces: La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, La Romana and Monte Plata. Agani president Pedro Castillo thanked the central government for its ongoing investment and support for the regional livestock sector, calling the new packing facility a transformative contribution that will benefit generations of producers in the eastern region.
The 35th Eastern Region Agricultural Fair, which runs through August 16, showcases more than 530 head of cattle from cattle-producing provinces across the country. Beyond industry-focused activities, the event brings together communities and families: it includes professional dairy competitions, official livestock judging panels, genetic cattle auctions, alongside family-friendly activities, traditional Dominican folk games, and live artistic performances open to the public.