Local farmers know the chemicals are not allowed in farm produce exports to Europe, but for local consumption everyone seems to look the other way. The farmers many times are but accepting the recommendations of Ministry of Agriculture agronomists on how to use the chemicals.
In recent years, the fumigation of crops with the toxics has made headlines when the fumes have intoxicated school children and staff when happening near public schools adjacent to farmed areas.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on hazardous substances and waste management has raised serious concerns following his visit to the Dominican Republic. UN’s Marcos Orellana warned about the presence of toxic chemicals used in agriculture to control pests, insects, fungi, and weeds. Roundup (glyphosate) and Paraquat are still used in the DR, despite the availability of non-toxic alternatives.
Despite the existence of Green Customs and the Single Window system, designed to regulate imports, during his visit, Orellana expressed alarm at the use of highly toxic pesticides, on certain crops. The lack of traceability for imported pesticides and an inadequate control system for their sale contributes to the uncontrolled use of these dangerous substances, he said.
“The harmful effects of pesticides on human health are well documented,” Orellana stated. “The National Constitution (Article 67(2)) prohibits the introduction into the country of internationally banned agrochemicals, as well as toxic and hazardous waste. However, the information received reveals a lack of proper control in systems regulating dangerous agrochemicals.”
At its latest meeting in May 2025, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants listed chlorpyrifos for elimination, Orellana pointed out. As a signatory to the Stockholm Convention, he urged the Dominican Republic to implement this measure promptly.
Orellana also highlighted the positive role of Green Customs in supervising and facilitating legal trade to prevent toxic waste and prohibited products from entering the country. However, he expressed concern about agrochemical spraying near schools, noting that despite government control measures, including resolutions by the Ministry of Agriculture banning pesticide use during school hours, such practices continue.
These sprayings have negatively impacted the health of children, teachers, and school staff, causing nervous, respiratory, and vascular system issues, he said. Orellana also condemned instances where authorities allegedly blamed children and teachers for pesticide exposure instead of pursuing those responsible for illegal application.
During his visit, Orellana met with government officials, including the Ministers of Environment and Energy and Mines, as well as representatives from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewerage, the UN country team, civil society, communities, the private sector, and academics.
Orellana also noted promising organic coffee, banana, and cocoa projects in the Dominican Republic but expressed concern that these initiatives, which employ a significant number of irregular workers, are struggling to obtain organic certification due to labor regularization requirements.
“It worries me that many people applying pesticides in the fields belong to vulnerable groups with limited education and living in poverty,” he said. According to information received, around 90% of fieldworkers are Haitian nationals. There are also allegations of child labor in agriculture, where workers often lack proper protective gear, literacy, knowledge, and training to safely handle hazardous chemicals.
Additionally, empty pesticide containers are not adequately managed, Orellana added.
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26 May 2025