With youth participation in agriculture slipping in recent years, the Government has rolled out a new Agricultural Land Lease Facility aimed squarely at young farmers seeking reliable access to arable land. The initiative allows eligible applicants, primarily young and first-time farmers, to lease state-owned agricultural lands under structured agreements designed to support crop production, livestock rearing, and agro-processing activities. The programme is positioned as a practical response to one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: land access.
Unlike informal arrangements that often limit investment and long-term planning, the lease facility offers secure, medium- to long-term tenure, giving participants the confidence to invest in soil preparation, irrigation systems, fencing, and farm infrastructure.
Government officials say the programme is also intended to reduce idle public land by putting it to productive use. Parcels will be allocated based on land suitability, proposed farming activity, and the applicant’s capacity to manage and develop the site responsibly.
In addition to land access, participants will be linked to technical support services, including extension officers, training programmes, and guidance on climate-smart farming practices. This integrated approach is meant to improve productivity while reducing the risk of early-stage farm failure. The facility aligns with broader efforts to strengthen food security, cut import dependence, and make agriculture a more attractive career path for younger Dominicans.
Officials have acknowledged that without deliberate intervention, the sector risks an ageing workforce and declining output. Applicants will be required to submit basic farm plans outlining intended crops or livestock, projected timelines, and land-use strategies.
Priority consideration is expected for projects that demonstrate sustainability, market readiness, and potential for job creation.
The Government has indicated that monitoring mechanisms will be built into lease agreements to ensure lands are actively farmed and maintained. Underperforming or abandoned plots may be reassigned to other applicants to keep the programme effective.
As interest in agribusiness grows among young entrepreneurs, the land lease facility is being presented as a foundational step toward rebuilding confidence in agriculture as a viable and modern economic sector.
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