Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre has announced that the Government of Dominica is continuing its efforts towards the propagation of disease-free citrus planting material that includes the grafting of 50,000 root stock.
He made the disclosure while delivering the National Budget for the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 on Friday.
Over the past few years, more than EC$130 million has been invested to restore and develop agriculture and fisheries. These investments are in fulfillment of the Government’s commitment to increase agricultural production, enhance agro-processing output, improve Dominica’s brand and expand our market share locally, regionally and internationally.
“Government is continuing its efforts towards the propagation of disease-free citrus planting material which includes the grafting of 50,000 root stock,” he said. “ Distribution of these citrus plants will begin by September 2025, and it is expected that 1000 acres of citrus will be established with the 50,000 plants.”
Dr. McIntyre also reported that the Agricultural Science and Tissue Culture Laboratory, built with a grant from the People’s Republic of China, is fully staffed and operational.
“We will begin mass propagation of disease-free planting material for key crops such as banana, plantains, tannia, dasheen, sweet cassava, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, vanilla and pineapples,” he revealed.
He continued, “Mr. Speaker, as we continue on our ambitious path to transform the agricultural sector, I am pleased to highlight the commencement of the Ninth Phase of the China-Aid Dominica Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project a significant milestone and another proud chapter in the longstanding partnership between the Government of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China.”
Moreover, he noted that the Ninth Phase brings with it the deployment of nine highly skilled technical experts, who will be stationed in Dominica for the next three years.
The minister said these professionals bring expertise in crop production, agronomy, soil and plant science, greenhouse management, and agricultural innovation, and will work alongside our local teams to expand technical capacity, improve productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices.
“We are particularly excited about the arrival of an Aquaculture Expert, who will play a pivotal role in developing this emerging sub-sector,” Dr. McIntyre revealed. “As part of our broader strategy to establish a sustainable and inclusive blue economy, we recognize the tremendous potential in freshwater fish farming to diversify livelihoods, increase protein self-sufficiency, and unlock new economic opportunities in both regional and domestic markets.”
Through this collaboration, he stated that the government will not only introduce new techniques and infrastructure, but also lay the foundation for Dominica to become a regional player in aquaculture.
He further emphasized that in the 2024 budget presentation, the government highlighted its commitment to the development of comprehensive legislation that allows for safe access to cannabis products for medicinal and therapeutic use while creating economic opportunities for growers and processors of the cannabis plant.
“I am pleased to report that in March 2025, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Advisory Committee on Medicinal Cannabis to guide the strategic development of Dominica’s cannabis industry,” he indicated. “This multidisciplinary body comprises a broad cross-section of stakeholders and experts, including internationally recognized cannabis researcher and Dominican national, Dr. Machel Emmanuel, whose appointment as Technical Advisor was announced during last year’s budget address.”
He also mentioned that in support of its mandate, the Committee established eight thematic subcommittees to address critical areas such as medical use, agriculture, legal frameworks, industry development, and the social and public health impacts of cannabis.
“A major milestone was the successful hosting of the National Cannabis Symposium earlier this month, which brought together regional and international experts, academics, industry professionals and members of the Rastafari community,” he said.
The symposium included the presentation of a Draft Cannabis Bill, which proposes the establishment of a dedicated Licensing Authority, eleven defined license categories, protections for traditional farmers, mandatory training for healthcare providers, a national patient registry and strict product tracking protocols.
“The Committee identified the need for legislative reform in areas such as regional trade and cannabis-related financial transactions, while also emphasizing the importance of expanding legal recognition of the religious and sacramental use of cannabis by the Rastafari community,” McIntyre said. “Consultation with other stakeholders and the general public on the draft Bill, began earlier this week.”
He added, “ Mr. Speaker, the Government will explore the potential for value-added production within the cannabis industry and promote the development of locally manufactured products such as oils, teas, balms, creams and other wellness items.”
This focus aligns with our broader vision of creating sustainable economic opportunities while positioning Dominica to participate competitively in the emerging global cannabis market.
“There is no doubt that Dominica, because of its rainfall and quality of soil, possesses a huge advantage for the cultivation of high-quality cannabis,” he indicated. “As we move to finalise and present the Medicinal Cannabis Bill to Parliament in the coming months, we extend our sincere gratitude to all those involved in this complex and historic process, especially the Ministry of Agriculture for its leadership, and our regional partners for sharing invaluable insights from their experiences.”
He assured the House of Nyabinghi that special provisions will be made in the revised legislation to capture their unique circumstance as a religious organization.
