Cochrane United Farmers Group
Cochrane United Farmers Group is a community-based agricultural collective located in the village of Cochrane, nestled in the heights above Roseau in Dominica. The group is part of a broader movement of grassroots agricultural cooperatives working to strengthen food security, promote sustainable farming, and revive small-scale rural enterprise on the island.
About the Cochrane United Farmers Group
The Cochrane United Farmers Group was formed with the primary goal of uniting local farmers around shared practices, resource pooling, and better market access. Cochrane itself, known for its cool climate and fertile volcanic soil, has traditionally been home to high-altitude farming, particularly vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, carrots, and white potatoes. The group brings together smallholder farmers from this area, many of whom had previously operated independently, to pursue joint projects, trainings, and funding opportunities.
The group has been known to engage in:
- Training sessions on climate-smart agriculture
- Soil health and composting practices
- Cooperative marketing to increase bargaining power
- Participation in national farmer’s consultations and expos
Support for the group has been provided at times by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN), and international development agencies operating under regional food resilience frameworks.
Community Role and Initiatives
In addition to their economic pursuits, the Cochrane United Farmers Group plays a social role in the community. They have participated in village beautification projects, hosted youth-in-agriculture sessions, and contributed to school gardening initiatives. These activities align with Dominica’s broader efforts to make agriculture more appealing to younger generations while also enhancing local nutrition.
One notable initiative was their involvement in demonstration plots to promote organic farming methods as part of a regional resilience-building program following Hurricane Maria. The group has occasionally collaborated with extension officers to trial new crop varieties adapted to the cooler microclimate of Cochrane, such as broccoli and strawberries.