DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

In early 2026, the Dominican Republic’s agricultural landscape saw a significant leadership shift with the appointment of Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme as the new Minister of Agriculture, succeeding Limber Cruz, who had been at the helm since August 2020. Cruz was criticized for allowing billions in farm produce imports.

The Minister Espaillat, a former “Agro-entrepreneur of the Year,” has centered his administration on a clear mandate: the comprehensive mechanization and modernization of the Dominican countryside to ensure food sovereignty and reduce reliance on imports. He has been on a road tour since his start to motivate farmers to reduce costs and increase sustainability betting on using equipment versus “low cost” labor.

By shifting away from manual labor toward a mechanized model, the government aims to enhance food sovereignty and increase the international competitiveness of Dominican products.

Under Minister Espaillat, the Ministry has pivoted toward a...