The government of Dominica is launching an innovative land lease scheme designed specifically for young farmers, making state-owned arable land available to those under 35 at a nominal rate of just $1 per acre per year for the first five years. The offer applies to parcels ranging from two to five acres, located in designated agricultural zones and agro‑parks around the island.
The initiative, announced in the most recent national budget, aims to reduce one of the biggest barriers facing young entrepreneurs in farming: access to affordable land. It works in tandem with the National Association of Youth in Agriculture (NAYA), which already provides technical support, greenhouse supplies, planting materials, and small-scale financial aid to aspiring agriculturalists. Successful applicants must begin active cultivation and meet productivity milestones throughout the lease period. Those who demonstrate successful land stewardship may qualify for lease extensions or supported financing options that foster farm expansion and modernisation.
Agriculture Minister Fidel Grant emphasised that the programme is part of a broader push to integrate new technologies and sustainable practices into farming, ensuring the next generation drives innovation in Dominica’s food sector. A selected group of about 20-40 young farmers will be invited to participate in an initial pilot phase, which experts say will help fine-tune operations and pave the way for later expansion.
By seeking to cultivate a youth-driven agricultural sector, the government hopes to create more local jobs, enhance food security, and encourage the next generation to build livelihoods on the island. Observers note that while past attempts at land lease schemes existed, this new offer marks one of the most generous targeted efforts for young people in recent memory.
If the pilot proves successful, leasing more land at this rate could transform Dominica’s rural economy and help reverse patterns of youth migration, keeping farming vibrant for years to come.
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