Twenty-nine agro-processors from across Dominica have received grants under the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (EALCRP), which aims to strengthen local agro-processing and improve climate resilience in the agricultural sector. The official presentation took place during a brief ceremony held on Monday, July 21, 2025.
The EALCRP, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, provides targeted support to farmers and agro-entrepreneurs who have been affected by past extreme weather events. The grants form part of a broader strategy to promote food security, value-added production, and long-term economic sustainability through climate-smart practices.
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy Roland Royer commended the recipients and emphasized the administration’s commitment to bolstering the agro-processing sector as a driver of inclusive rural development.
“Agro-processors are vital to our national development,” Royer noted. “They help extend the shelf life of our products, reduce post-harvest losses, create employment, and generate export potential.”
Several recipients shared testimonials highlighting the significance of the grant assistance. For many, the funds will be used to acquire equipment, upgrade facilities, and meet standards for regional trade. Attendees included officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, project staff, and representatives of partner agencies.
In addition to direct financial support, the agro-processors have benefitted from a series of business training and technical assistance workshops coordinated through the EALCRP framework. The initiative places strong emphasis on sustainability, gender inclusion, and local innovation, with women and youth featuring prominently among the awardees.
This latest grant distribution follows similar interventions under the EALCRP targeting crop farmers, livestock producers, and fisherfolk, forming part of Dominica’s broader agenda to build climate resilience and strengthen domestic food systems. The Ministry reiterated its intention to support value-chain development from farm to market, ensuring that small agro-entrepreneurs are not left behind.
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