Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme has been named Minister of Agriculture. He is best known as a leading rice producer who has spearheaded surviving imported rice and labor problems by mechanizing most of his farms. He also offers the mechanization services to smaller farms.
An agronomy engineer and graduate of the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), Espaillat Bencosme brings over three decades of experience in the national rice sector. He was recognized by the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) as Agro-Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021.
He replaces Limber Cruz who was not named to a new position.
The appointment is part of the significant cabinet reshuffle made official in Decree No. 2-26.
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Hoy Mismo
7 January 2026