Dominican Republic livestock producers seek emergency aid amid drought

Livestock producers in the Dominican Republic are warning of a severe crisis caused by prolonged drought and rising input costs. In Las Matas de Farfán, the Association of Livestock Farmers has requested that the government declare an emergency for the local sector. President José Santiago Moreta reported that over 250 producers are struggling to secure water and feed, threatening regional food security and the livelihoods of approximately 1,500 employees.

The association is seeking several forms of aid, including a one-year grace period on loans from the Banco Agrícola, the construction and cleaning of lagoons, well drilling, and the donation of 15,000 bales of forage and 10,000 gallons of molasses. They have also requested water tankers to transport liquid to farms.

Simultaneously, in Puerto Plata, the Association of Livestock Farmers (AGPPC) expressed concern over deteriorating pastures and water scarcity. President Juan Almonte noted that high summer temperatures have significantly increased the water requirements for cattle, with some animals needing to double their intake to regulate body temperature. Producers report that much of the livestock in the province has already begun losing weight due to these conditions.