Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of Dominica

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of Dominica holds a critical portfolio at the intersection of food security, environmental sustainability, and national economic development. As of December 2022, this position is held by Hon. Roland Royer, who brings technical knowledge and strategic leadership to the post. The ministry plays an essential role in Dominica’s ambition to strengthen its resilience against climate change, foster sustainable growth, and ensure that agriculture and marine resources remain vital engines of national progress.

Mandate and Policy Direction

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy in Dominica is tasked with overseeing four integrated pillars: agriculture, fisheries, the blue economy, and the green economy. These areas support Dominica’s commitment to sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and rural revitalization. The minister is responsible for setting strategic direction, designing policy, coordinating inter-agency initiatives, and engaging with international development partners.

The ministry’s overarching goals include:

• Enhancing national food and nutrition security through climate-smart agriculture and fisheries.
• Promoting sustainable land and marine resource use.
• Facilitating economic transformation through the green and blue economy models.
• Supporting small farmers and fisherfolk in adapting to global environmental and market trends.
• Driving innovation in agro-processing, value chains, and eco-enterprise development.

Core Areas of Oversight

Agriculture and Food Security

The minister oversees programs that aim to increase agricultural productivity, restore livelihoods impacted by past natural disasters, and modernize the sector through technology and education. Projects such as the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods & Climate Resilience Project (EALCRP), funded by the World Bank, have helped improve farming infrastructure, distribute planting materials, and train farmers in climate-resilient practices.

The ministry also works closely with youth and women’s groups to promote farming as a viable economic path, including hosting the Youth in Agriculture Symposium and launching initiatives that integrate digital tools into crop and livestock production.

Fisheries and Marine Sustainability

Under the fisheries mandate, the ministry develops policies that support sustainable fishing practices, enhance coastal livelihoods, and conserve marine biodiversity. This includes the maintenance of fishing complexes, development of storage and processing facilities, and implementation of marine zoning and surveillance initiatives. Community-led fisheries co-management is also promoted to ensure long-term resource sustainability.

Blue Economy Development

Dominica’s blue economy vision is focused on responsibly leveraging the island’s marine resources for economic diversification. This includes aquaculture, marine tourism, ocean energy exploration, and maritime transport. The ministry supports the integration of blue economy principles into national development planning and collaborates with international donors and NGOs to finance projects related to ocean governance and innovation.

Green Economy Strategy

The green economy component focuses on transitioning to low-carbon, resource-efficient systems. The minister champions sustainable forestry, organic farming, renewable energy adoption in farming communities, and ecosystem restoration efforts. These efforts align with Dominica’s vision to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation.

Regional Collaboration and Leadership

The Minister for Agriculture serves as Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers for Agriculture, a position that amplifies Dominica’s voice in regional food security and agricultural policy discussions. In this role, the minister advocates for increased integration, research collaboration, and joint programming across Eastern Caribbean states to build shared resilience.