Multi-Purpose Agro-Processing Facility in Dominica
The Multi-Purpose Agro-Processing Facility in Dominica is a government-led initiative designed to expand agro-industrial capacity, enhance food security, and increase value-added exports. Strategically located in the Botanic Gardens in Roseau, the facility supports the development of agro-processors across the island by providing access to modern equipment, food safety protocols, and technical training.
Role in Supporting Agro-Enterprise and Value Chains
At the heart of Dominica’s agricultural revitalisation, the facility enables local farmers, cooperatives, and small businesses to transform raw produce into shelf-ready items that meet regional and international standards. The centre accommodates a range of production lines, including fruit drying, bottling, purée extraction, labelling, and vacuum sealing.
By doing so, it allows producers to scale up the creation of jams, sauces, spices, herbal teas, flours, and natural oils derived from locally grown crops such as turmeric, bay leaf, ginger, passionfruit, and plantain. This directly strengthens value chains, especially for communities involved in cooperative farming and traditional agro-processing.
In addition to machinery, the facility offers support with branding, compliance with Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) regulations, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Processors working within the centre also benefit from batch testing and packaging rooms designed to meet Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements.
Partnerships, Policy, and National Development
The development of the Multi-Purpose Agro-Processing Facility reflects key pillars of Dominica’s national growth strategy, particularly in relation to import substitution, export expansion, and rural enterprise support. It was established with support from the Government of Dominica and regional technical partners, including the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the IICA Dominica, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The initiative aligns with broader goals outlined under Dominica’s national food and nutrition security policy and the government’s Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP), by enabling sustainable agricultural development through economic diversification and disaster-resilient food systems.
With agro-processing identified as a priority in Dominica’s investment strategy, the facility complements other institutions such as the Dominica Bureau of Standards and the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA), creating a cohesive ecosystem for domestic product development.
Impact and Outlook
Early beneficiaries include women-led cooperatives, herbal product entrepreneurs, and youth ventures. The facility has opened pathways for agro-processors to enter niche export markets, participate in regional trade expos, and develop retail partnerships through outlets such as H.H.V Whitchurch & Co Ltd, Fresh Market and airport gift shops.
As consumer demand for natural, organic, and culturally distinctive products rises globally, the facility positions Dominica to meet these trends while preserving traditional knowledge and boosting rural livelihoods. Efforts are ongoing to expand access to the facility through mobile processing units and regional hubs in areas like Portsmouth and Castle Bruce.
Continued government support and capacity building will be critical to sustaining the facility’s momentum, ensuring that it remains a key driver of agricultural innovation and economic inclusion in Dominica.