What to know about exporting produce from DR?

[SoyChulo]

I have access to a mango "farm" with a little over 10,000 trees on it. What obstacles would I face when attempting to export to US or elsewhere? Would there be another country that would be easier to export to? Currently much of this goes to waste. Very little local distribution at this point. I must mention that I am still in the US, but making plans to relocate within next 2 two years to DR.

My wife is from Santo Domingo. Her father has a couple of connections. Does it make sense to pursue a venture like this on my own? Or would it make sense to lease the farm to an established producer like DOLE? Any thought, comments, experiences, or straight talk would be appreciated.

thanks in advance
SoyChulo

 

[Rocky]

Lease it.

I have access to a mango "farm" with a little over 10,000 trees on it. What obstacles would I face when attempting to export to US or elsewhere? Would there be another country that would be easier to export to? Currently much of this goes to waste. Very little local distribution at this point. I must mention that I am still in the US, but making plans to relocate within next 2 two years to DR.

My wife is from Santo Domingo. Her father has a couple of connections. Does it make sense to pursue a venture like this on my own? Or would it make sense to lease the farm to an established producer like DOLE? Any thought, comments, experiences, or straight talk would be appreciated.

thanks in advance
SoyChulo

If you have an opportunity to lease it, that's the way to go.
You won't get rich doing it but it's better than operating it yourself.
I have known many who have tried it and it's really difficult.
If the customs agents know you have fresh produce, they can toy with you until you cough up the money they want. It's either that or it rots.
I have seen some of the Japanese growers from Constanza export a variety of fresh vegetables and a few fruits by air cargo and they seem to do well with it, but they have been in the business for many years and they have a whole community up there of fellow Japanese farmers to help each other out.
Why not just sell them in the local market.
If you need info about how to go about this, send me a PM.
Marco.