FAO and Dominican Republic sign US$480,000 agricultural agreement

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have signed a US$480,000 technical cooperation agreement to modernize the nation's agricultural sector. The project, scheduled to run from October 2026 to April 2028, focuses on enhancing agricultural mechanization, strengthening phytosanitary health, and improving climate resilience.

A primary component involves strengthening the National Agricultural Mechanization Program (PRONAMEC) through digital tools and sustainable service models for small and medium-sized producers. Additionally, the agreement introduces a pilot mechanism for active surveillance and pre-inspection using drones and georeferenced imagery to detect pests and protect market access.

During an official mission to the country, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu also visited various social and educational initiatives. These included the María Ruiz productive unit in Higüey, which supports vulnerable families through agroecology, and the Escuela Profesora Camila Beato Salas in Monte Plata, which implements sustainable school feeding programs using FAO's OptiWaste technology to reduce food waste.