DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Abstract and Main Features

The Política de Producción Agroecológica – Agroecological Production Policy in English – establishes a national framework to promote agroecology as a sustainable and socially responsible production model. It defines key concepts, outlines historical context, and sets a vision where agroecology becomes the norm, ensuring biodiversity, soil health, and food security without synthetic chemicals. The policy emphasizes values such as sustainability, equity, resilience, and innovation and it aligns with national laws and international commitments, highlighting the roles of partnerships with international organizations such as FAO and the Agroecology Coalition.  

Some of the main features of this Policy include: 

• Promotion of co-creation and knowledge exchange between farmers, scientists and communities. 
• Emphasis on economic circularity, short supply chains, local markets, and solidarity. 
• Promotion of technological innovation (e.g. precision agriculture, permaculture, renewable energy). 
• Focus on increasing consumer awareness. 
• Alignment with national legislation (e.g. the 2010 Dominican Constitution) and international commitments. 
• Strengthened global cooperation through international platforms like the Agroecology Coalition. 

Objectives 

The Policy’s main objectives are to: 

1. Promote agroecological practices that improve water use, soil health, and biodiversity. 
2. Reduce dependence on chemical inputs and encourage the use of natural alternatives. 
3. Foster education and training in agroecology for producers and communities. 
4. Establish the regulatory framework that governs and promotes agroecology throughout the national territory. 
5. Boost research and the development of agroecological technologies for the production of various crops. 

Key Target Groups  

The Policy addresses key target groups mainstreaming a gender approach to empower women, strengthen their agency in implementing agroecological practices, and support family-led businesses to sustain a more fair and sustainable system. 

Expected Results 

The policy is expected to deliver the following outcomes: 

• Strengthened local markets and short supply chains. 
• Establishment of monitoring systems to assess the effects of climate change on agricultural production. 
• Production of research projects to develop and validate agricultural techniques suited to local conditions. 
• Possible provision of governmental subsidies or financial assistance to farmers who wish to adopt agroecological practices. 
• Facilitated access for farmers to organic certifications. 

Policy Development Process 

Dominican Republic’s Agroecological Production Policy was developed at governmental level by the Vice Ministry of Sectoral Agricultural Planning, Department of Agro-Environmental Management, Risk and Climate Change of the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Several non-State actors contributed to the Federal consultations held in Santo Domingo, but local non-State actors were not involved in the consultation due to lack of resources to mobilize them. 

Ministries and Stakeholders Involved in the Process 

• The Ministry of Agriculture
• Several Non-State Actors

Implementation 

The implementation of this policy is structured around eight strategic axes. These axes translate into specific programs and actions, such as promoting crop diversification, establishing local markets, creating monitoring systems for climate resilience, and implementing farmer training programs. Concrete measures and actions include composting, drip irrigation, and adoption of renewable energy resources. The responsibility for the implementation of the policy lies primarily with the Ministry of Agriculture with vital support from public and private actors for execution. 

Budget and Funding 

No estimated budget was publicly shared in the Agroecological Production Policy. 

However, the document explores several financial forms of support that could potentially be leveraged to support farmers in implementing agroecological practices, including: 

• Grants and government aid 
• Microcredits 
• Rural development funds and programs 
• Private investments and cooperatives 
• Organic Certifications 
• International programs and NGOs 
• Sustainable investment funds 
• Financial education and training 
• Associations and local networks 
• Loans for technological innovation 

Moreover, to ensure the objective of guaranteeing fair food prices that provide an adequate profit to farmers the document identifies three areas of intervention:  

• Create value chains that connect consumers directly to producers 
• Promote the creation of spaces like fairs and markets where producers can directly sell to consumers 
• Increase the use of certifications that guarantee that products are sold at an adequate price for producers’ income. 

NOTE: This year, the institution is expected to hold meetings with public–private sectors, associations, universities, NGOs, and others. The purpose is to develop a national plan to advance agroecology in the country. Responsibilities, budget, and other elements will be defined there. 

N.B. This document was reviewed by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic 

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