Dominican Republic officials prioritize agro-food supply and drought prevention

In the Dominican Republic, Agriculture Minister Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme has emphasized the necessity of a strong alliance between agricultural producers and merchants to ensure efficient national food supply. During the 12th anniversary of Confecomercio, the minister highlighted that the two sectors must work in unison to create a modern and competitive agro-food chain, benefiting producers, transporters, and consumers alike. The Ministry is currently promoting a transformation of the countryside through technology, mechanization, and increased training to reduce costs and address labor shortages.

Simultaneously, agricultural experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, IICA, and FAO have raised alarms regarding the recurring threat of drought in the country. During a dialogue organized by CONFENAGRO, specialists warned that the El Niño phenomenon could lead to even more critical conditions by 2027. They urged the adoption of preventive measures, such as the construction of wells and improved water management, to protect food security and the livelihoods of producers.

In response to climate risks, the Director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), Colonel Robert Olivares, has called for strengthened institutional coordination and a culture of prevention to better manage increasingly intense atmospheric phenomena.