Dominica to increase export of local produce

The Ministry of Agriculture is reporting that more Dominican produce will soon be made available regionally. In an interview with the Hon Minister for Agriculture, Johnson Drigo on Wednesday, April 6^th, he revealed that the projected volume of export for Dominican produce in the region is quite high.

“We are seeing 930 tons of dasheen being marketed over the period November to June. I can also report that over 235 tons of passion fruit will also be marketed in that period. The plantain subsector is also doing well, we expect to export over 480 tons of plantain over the corresponding period, and vegetables for local consumption is also on the increase.”
The Ministry of Agriculture intends to monitor the production of the produce and liaise very closely with the Ministry of Trade to ensure that all of the products are exported.
The Minister is pleased that local produce will be sent to markets such as Barbados.
“We are happy that a consultancy was done for the high end market in Barbados and very soon we will be exporting at least two containers of fresh agricultural produce to Barbados on a weekly basis. The prospect for the marketing of the production is good but we need to hold on very firm to it. I want to thank all the exporters who are involved in exporting fresh products out of Dominica.
To ensure the position of Dominican produce on the market the Minister says that high standards will be maintained.
“The Ministry is working feverishly in getting the farmers certified for the export market. Also the Ministry is working with the Bureau of Standard and had consultations with the farmers, to prepare them to meet the necessary standard for the export of the bananas.”