Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre disclosed that the government is proposing an “incentive Package for the Agriculture Sector” in Dominica as part of the 2025/26 National Budget.
In delivering the Budget under the theme “balancing resilient development and fiscal discipline for sustainable growth,” the Finance Minister explained that, to support Governments’ extensive investment in Agriculture and incentivize production by farmers, a rebate programme is proposed for select agricultural commodities.
“The rebate is meant to assure farmers that with a guaranteed investment, the Government will provide additional support to expand their production. This is essentially a partnership between the Government and farmers to enhance food security and help realise the goals of increased agricultural productivity,” he stated.
The following will form the basis of the rebate programme:
- Farmers investing in housing and infrastructure for poultry (min. 5000 broilers including
stock and feed) will receive a rebate of 40% of the cost up to a maximum of $20,000. - For investments in Protected Agriculture
a. fully enclosed, including hydroponics- 50% of cost up to $20,000
b. partially enclosed – 50% of cost up to $9,000 - The following investments, establishment, and rehabilitation in specific commodities will
benefit from the following rebates:
a. Citrus establishment per acre – 50% of cost up to $2,000
b. Cocoa establishment per acre – 50% of cost up to $2,200
c. Cocoa rehabilitation per acre – 50% of cost up to $1,500
d. Coffee establishment per acre – 50% of cost up to $2,200
e. Coffee rehabilitation per acre – 50% of cost up to $1,500
Additionally, he stated that considering the current vulnerability of the island’s agricultural sector to natural disasters, a crop insurance scheme will be implemented to protect farmers from catastrophic loss. “The scheme will prioritise vulnerable commodities such as plantains, bananas, and other high-risk crops in the first instance. This initiative would include joint contributions by farmers and the Government.”
“Mr. Speaker, these interventions will further strengthen our food systems and move us closer to our goal of Agriculture’s EC$700 million contribution to GDP by 2030,” he remarked.
