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Farmers in the Dominican Republic Stand to Enter Global Markets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2008
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development will offer small farmers in the Dominican Republic struggling to stay afloat the guidance and technical support needed to thrive in a global economy.

More than $50 million is being invested in a five-year program called the Rural Economic Diversification Project that shows farmers how to be competitive by growing new crops and manufacturing handicrafts demanded by regional and international markets.

At the same time, the program works to stimulate the local distribution, transportation, wholesale, retail and other industries that depend on farm production-the "market chain," as it's called. Much of the technical support will focus on bringing the market chain up to international standards to attract new customers, which creates more business for farmers.

Although agriculture is the main employer in the Dominican Republic, more than half of the farmers grow the least competitive crops-beans, rice, onions and garlic. The rural project will create opportunities for more profitable produce with overseas demand, such as cacao, coffee, bananas, limes, mangos and coconuts. Farmers will also be trained to supplement their income by manufacturing doors, windows, desks and other wooden household and decorative products. Helping farmers protect the environment by responsibly using the country's natural resources is another highlight of the project.

"This program is focused on creating markets to sustain demand," said Luis Gonzalez, USAID's economic policy coordinator in Santo Domingo. "Economic progress and poverty reduction is the key and that's what the Rural Economic Diversification Project is all about."

For more information about USAID, including its programs in the Dominican Republic, visit www.usaid.gov.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.

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