FAO Training Bolsters Dominica’s High-Value Food Crop Production through Enhanced Harvest and Post-Harvest Practices

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) collaborated with the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy to deliver a crucial training program focused on post-harvest technology and collaborative practices. This initiative aimed to bolster local production of high-value crops, ultimately contributing to a reduction in the nation’s food import bill. Held at the Fisheries Complex in Roseau, Dominica, the week-long training equipped 25 participants, including extension officials, processors, and farmers, with the knowledge and skills necessary to minimize post-harvest losses, optimize value chain efficiency, and elevate crop quality and safety. The training emphasized practical, hands-on approaches, encompassing topics such as loss quantification, pre-harvest factors influencing shelf life, quality assessment procedures, packaging techniques, cooling and temperature management, and transportation logistics. The ultimate goal was to empower local stakeholders to maximize yields of high-value vegetables like tomatoes, sweet peppers, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers.

The training program stemmed from a prior feasibility study conducted by FAO at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture. This study assessed the potential for cultivating a range of vegetables, including imported temperate crops, across Dominica’s diverse agroclimatic zones. Taking into account factors like elevation, year-round water availability for irrigation, and seed quality and variety, the study pinpointed specific zones suitable for growing specialty vegetable crops. The findings highlighted the potential of this approach not only to reduce reliance on imports but also to boost farmers’ incomes and create export opportunities to neighboring countries. This proactive approach recognizes the importance of diversifying local agriculture and enhancing its resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change and limited arable land.

The training program addressed Dominica’s unique agricultural landscape, characterized by susceptibility to climate change and limited arable land. By focusing on improved harvest and post-harvest techniques, the program aimed to equip stakeholders with the tools to enhance crop quality, minimize food waste, and ensure food safety. This capacity-building initiative aligns with the objectives of the ongoing Technical Cooperation Programme, which seeks to boost high-value vegetable crop production. The FAO recognizes the crucial role of knowledge transfer and skill development in driving sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring long-term food security.

The training’s impact was evident in the positive feedback received from participants. Grand Fond farmer Marcus Cuffy highlighted the value of the information shared, particularly regarding cold storage techniques, expressing his intention to disseminate this knowledge among fellow farmers and implement the learned practices. This peer-to-peer learning approach is crucial for scaling the impact of the training and fostering wider adoption of improved post-harvest practices within the farming community. The practical nature of the training ensured that participants gained readily applicable skills and knowledge, contributing directly to improved outcomes on the ground.

Furthermore, the training generated considerable interest among farmers in strategies for minimizing harvest loss. Participants learned practical methods to increase the proportion of produce reaching the market, directly translating to improved income potential. The benefits extended beyond farmers, as exporters and handlers also gained valuable insights into optimizing packaging and reducing losses in pack houses. This holistic approach, encompassing the entire value chain, ensures a more efficient and sustainable agricultural system. By empowering all stakeholders, the training fostered a collaborative environment for improving overall productivity and market access.

Through this comprehensive training program, the FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture have laid a strong foundation for strengthening local food production in Dominica. By equipping farmers, processors, and other stakeholders with enhanced post-harvest practices, the initiative promotes food security, economic growth, and a more resilient agricultural sector. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of investing in capacity building and knowledge sharing to drive sustainable agricultural development and improve livelihoods within the Caribbean region. The focus on high-value crops not only addresses import dependency but also opens up new market opportunities for local producers, contributing to a more diversified and robust economy.