The agriculture and agribusiness sector is meeting from 4 to 6 September 2024 at the Barcelo Bavaro Convention Center in Punta Cana for the 26th National Leaders Encounter. The event brings together the sector for talks about the future and present of the sector and to review the challenges ahead and learn about new technologies, systems and equipment. Osmar Benitez, executive president of the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD), is once again the organizer and convenes the sector for what becomes a gathering of friends and business associates.
This year the theme is “Challenges to Feed 24 Million Consumers in the Dominican Republic” and refers to the demands for local producers in the country. In an interview with Diario Libre, Benitez explains that the estimated 250,000 local producers supply about 90% of the fresh produce for those living in this country, and the floating population of around 10 million tourists that visit every year, including the cruise ship travelers. Add to this, the farm sector also produces for export markets.
Benitez highlighted in the interview the difficulties caused to the sector that faces high interest rates in the financial community that sees farming as high risk. Benitez says the sector needs low cost and long term financing. He acknowledges weather vulnerabilities, but points to the long standing resilience of the farm sector here. Likewise, the challence continues to be to get new generations incorporated. Benitez says that people need to see farming as a positive lifestyle. He mentions many people are embracing fish farming, with some 2,000 new ventures coming to fruition.
Benitez explained the DR produces 100% of the plantains and sweet potatoes it consumes, and almost 100% of the rice consumption. Local consumption of rice is estimated at 126,000 quintals a month, or almost 28 million pounds. Chicken consumption is also covered, with the country having the capacity to produce 25 million chickens a month. Dairy production is also extensive.
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Diario Libre
4 September 2024