Agriculture in Dominica

Agriculture in Dominica remains a foundational pillar of the island’s economy, culture, and rural livelihoods. Although its relative contribution to GDP has declined over the past two decades, the sector still plays a vital role in food security, employment, and export revenue. From fertile volcanic soils that nourish cocoa and root crops to coastal valleys that support citrus and banana plantations, Dominican agriculture is as diverse as its landscape.

Historical Background and the Evolution of Agriculture

Historically, Dominica’s agricultural sector was structured around large estate systems during the colonial period. Sugar dominated in the 18th century, followed by limes, cocoa, and bananas. The Dominica Banana Marketing Corporation (DBMC) was formed in 1967, institutionalising the export of bananas, which would become the island’s most significant cash crop well into the 1990s.

However, the erosion of preferential trade agreements in the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially under the European Union’s revised Lome Agreement, triggered a decline in banana exports. This forced Dominica to diversify its agricultural base. Subsequent years saw the re-emergence of other crops such as cocoa, coffee, citrus, and dasheen.

Today, the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, incorporating new markets, community-based farming initiatives, and sustainability-oriented practices.

Geographic and Environmental Advantages

Dominica’s terrain offers unique advantages for agriculture. The country’s volcanic soil is mineral-rich and well-drained, providing optimal crop conditions. The island’s 365 rivers, steady rainfall, and mountainous watersheds support gravity-fed irrigation and reduce reliance on mechanised systems.

Major agricultural regions include:

• Woodford Hill Agricultural Station and North-East Agricultural Region
• Layou Valley, which is known for root crop and banana production
• Giraudel and Eggleston, with long-standing horticulture
• Castle Bruce and Delices, where farming is intertwined with Kalinago food traditions

These agro-ecological zones allow for lowland crops (bananas, citrus, coconuts) and upland crops (root vegetables, cocoa, coffee).

Crops and Export Commodities

While bananas were once the island’s primary export, diversification efforts have expanded the range of marketable produce. Notable crops include:

• Cocoa: Revitalised through the Dominica Cocoa Industry and supported by farmer cooperatives. Post-Hurricane Maria recovery was supported by regional cocoa cluster networks.
• Dasheen and root crops: Consistently strong in exports to regional markets. These are grown in Wesley, Grand Bay, and Marigot areas.
• Citrus (oranges, grapefruit): Mainly for domestic juice production, with surplus exported.
• Bay oil: Once globally renowned, now under niche production primarily in the Petit Coulibri and South-East Agricultural District.
• Vegetables: Cabbage, lettuce, and cucumbers dominate domestic markets and hotels.

Emerging sectors include herbal teas, essential oils, and organic produce, targeting eco-conscious markets.

Institutional Support and National Programs

Dominica’s agriculture is guided by several national and regional institutions. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy is the primary governmental body overseeing food policy, extension services, and export support. It works closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and the OECS Agricultural Development Unit.

Significant infrastructure includes:

• Glanvillia Packhouse, where produce is graded, packaged, and chilled for export
• One Mile Agricultural Station in Portsmouth
• Agricultural Input Warehouse in Fond Cole
• Dominica-China Modern Agricultural Centre, which focuses on research, greenhouse development, and training

Additionally, the National Association of Youth in Agriculture (NAYA) empowers young farmers through access to land, technical training, and agri-entrepreneurship programs.

Labour, Gender, and Community Involvement

Agriculture employs over 15% of Dominica’s labour force, particularly in rural parishes such as Saint Andrew, Saint David, and Saint Patrick. Women play a significant role in marketing and selling produce, especially at local markets in Roseau Market, Portsmouth Market, and Mahaut Market.

Many villages maintain strong cultural connections to farming. In places like Bagatelle, Belles, San Sauveur, and Delices, multi-generational households depend on farming not only for income but also for sustenance and identity. Community-supported initiatives, such as the Kalinago’s agroforestry programs and seed exchanges, continue to preserve agricultural heritage.

Challenges and Climate Resilience

Agriculture in Dominica faces notable challenges:

• Hurricanes: Category 5 storms like Hurricane Maria (2017) decimated crops, livestock, and irrigation systems.
• Soil erosion and land slippage: Especially in steep terrain areas like Warner and Laudat.
• Pests and diseases: Including Black Sigatoka in bananas and Citrus Greening Disease.
• Access to finance: Many small farmers lack collateral or insurance, limiting their investment in climate-smart systems.

Dominica launched the Climate Resilient Agriculture Plan under the national resilience framework to address these. It focuses on hurricane-resistant greenhouses, agro-processing, composting, and slope-farming techniques.

Programs are supported through the Dominica Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project, co-funded by the World Bank, and the OECS Agriculture Competitiveness Project, which links farmers to school feeding programs and regional markets.

Agro-Tourism and Innovation

Dominica is steadily integrating agriculture into its Community Tourism strategy. Farms in Giraudel, Sylvania, and Morne Anglais offer garden tours, herb walks, and demonstrations. There is also growing interest in Farm-to-Table dining, permaculture, and “stay-on-the-farm” visitor experiences.

Innovation hubs, such as the Agriculture Digital Marketplace Project, supported by the Ministry, aim to promote local produce on online platforms to diasporic buyers and regional hotels.

Outlook and Development Path

The future of agriculture in Dominica is rooted in sustainability, youth inclusion, and export competitiveness. Key to this will be:

• Expanding post-harvest facilities like the Central Packhouse Network
• Training via the Dominica State College Agriculture Program
• Land regularisation and lease reform
• Enhanced regional collaboration through the Caribbean Week of Agriculture and CDB agri-finance platforms

While the sector continues to recover from past hurricanes and global market shifts, its resilience is driven by community knowledge, environmental wealth, and institutional support. Agriculture in Dominica is not merely a legacy sector but a foundation for sovereignty, wellness, and green economic growth.