CABINET APPROVES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AGRICULTURAL LANDLEASE FACILITY TARGETING YOUNG FARMERS

Cabinet, at its meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, approved the establishment of an Agricultural Land Lease Facility targeting young farmers and aimed at promoting investment in agriculture, aquaculture, mariculture, agro-processing and forestry.

The Facility will operationalise Government’s commitment under the 2025 - 2026

Budget to make available a minimum of 300 acres of State land across Dominica for

exclusive agricultural use. Identified sites include Newfoundland Estate, Londonderry

Estate, Woodfordhill-Mango Gutter, Wesley-Joe Burton area, Morne Prosper, Charlotte

Valley, Savanne York, Williams Settlement, Wotten Waven, Blenheim Estate, Pointe

Mulatre Estate-Fond Thomas, Hertford Estate-Warner and Richmond Estate, Castle

Bruce.

Cabinet approved:

o The allocation of State lands for agricultural leasing, with parcels ranging from

1 to 5 acres, leased at EC$1.00 per acre per annum for the first five (5) years,

with an option to renew subject to continued agricultural use.

o The appointment of a Technical Advisory Committee to oversee farmer

selection and placement, guide enterprise development, recommend training,

provide technical support and assist with investment planning and market

access.

The engagement of a Pupil Surveyor on contract as Agricultural Land Lease

Technician to manage applications, surveys, lease administration, compliance

monitoring, database development, and serve as Secretary to the Technical

Advisory Committee.

o The adoption of standardised lease terms and conditions, including exclusive

agricultural use, five-year lease term, restrictions on subletting and habitation,

compliance monitoring and automatic termination for breach.

o Eligibility criteria targeting young and land-constrained farmers, including

active involvement or proposals in agricultural production, farmer registration,

valid Produce Sellers’ Licence and compliance with Social Security

requirements.

The Facility is intended to increase agricultural production, support young

farmers, strengthen food security and drive sustainable rural economic

development.