People: Dr. Al-Mario Casimir
Dr. Al-Mario Casimir is a distinguished agronomist and soil scientist serving as Agricultural Officer I (Organic Coordinator) within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of Dominica. Holding a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Bangor University, his work focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture through scientific research and field applications.
With over a decade of service in the Ministry, Dr. Casimir has led initiatives that strengthen national food security and environmental stewardship. As coordinator of the Backyard Gardening Programme during the COVID-19 pandemic, he managed resource distribution to over 2,774 households, including vulnerable and single-parent families, investing EC$162,000 in seeds, tools, and seedlings. He also serves as the Ministry’s focal point for sea moss development, engaging local producers in Calibishie, Grand Bay, and Woodford Hill in FAO-supported programmes.
Education and Early Career
Dr. Casimir earned his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Sciences before pursuing a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Bangor University. He joined the Ministry of Agriculture as a Technical Officer, later being promoted to oversee organic and sustainable farming systems within national agricultural policy.
Key Contributions
Dr. Casimir has championed several impactful agricultural reforms:
- Implementation of organic coordination strategies across farm systems;
- Leadership in national food security schemes, notably the COVID response;
- Launch of integrated land use planning with University of the West Indies (UWI) and FAO, presented at the 2025 IALP launch.
- Speaker at several regional forums, including a medical cannabis symposium and CARICOM agriculture summits, reflecting his expanding influence in policy.
Institutional Affiliations
His roles connect him with various agencies and platforms:
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy – policy design and field oversight
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – collaboration on sea moss and resilience projects
- University of the West Indies – CERMES – land use planning and capacity building
- National Cannabis Advisory Committee – technical input for regulated industry planning
Impact and Recognition
Under his coordination, backyard farming reached an additional 2,774 families, while sea moss pilot initiatives engaged 30 local farmers in diversified production dom767.com. He continues to advise government on climate adaptation strategies and organic certification pathways, enabling small farmers to access premium markets.