IICA Dominica Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural MSMEs and Food Security at Accountability Seminar

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Delegation in Dominica reaffirmed its commitment to supporting agricultural development, food security, and rural livelihoods during its Annual Accountability Seminar, held on June 3, 2026.

Under the theme "From Local Fields to Regional Markets: Strengthening Food Security through Trade, MSMEs and Accountability”, the seminar provided an opportunity for the Institute to report on its achievements in 2025, share priorities for future technical cooperation, and engage stakeholders in dialogue on the role of agricultural micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in driving economic growth and strengthening food security in Dominica.

Government officials, representatives of financial institutions, development partners, producer organisations, agro-processors, farmers, and other stakeholders participated in the event, which underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing the country's agricultural agenda.

In his remarks, IICA Representative for the Eastern Caribbean States, Gregg Rawlins, highlighted the Institute's ongoing efforts to support agricultural MSMEs and improve access to regional markets through the AgriMSE Business Development and Intra-Regional Market Integration Project, being implemented in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

"The project is being positioned as part of a continuous development focus within IICA to better integrate the AgriMSE sector into the economy and better position their products into mainstream domestic marketing and distribution and intra-regional trade"; Rawlins said. He added that the aim of the project will be achieved through three critical areas inclusive of Intra-Regional Marketing and Export Facilitation, Strengthening AgriMSEs Business and Production Operational Efficiencies and Strengthening the Capacity of AgriMSEs to Access Financing and Investment.

Participants also received an overview of IICA's work in Dominica from Technical Specialist Anthony Cyrille, who presented the Institute's achievements in 2025 and outlined proposed technical cooperation interventions for the coming year.

A highlight of the seminar was the formal presentation of IICA's 2025 Annual Report to the Honourable Roland Royer, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy.

"Today, as we receive the 2025 Annual Report, we do not merely see a document of activities completed, but a testament to the enduring partnership between IICA and the Government of Dominica, a partnership that continues to generate tangible benefits for our farmers, fishers, agro-processors, rural communities, women and youth," Royer stated.

The Minister commended IICA's contributions to several national and regional initiatives, including support for sustainable livestock development, the regional white potato

From L-R: Technical Specialist at IICA Dominica, Anthony Cyrille; Assistant Executive Secretary, Maureen Dominique; and IICA Representative in the Eastern Caribbean States, Gregg Rawlins programme, quality seed production, and capacity building in seed management and disaster preparedness.

He further praised the Institute's continued focus on youth and women in agriculture, noting that "the future of agriculture belongs to innovation, technology and youth."

The seminar concluded with a panel discussion featuring representatives from the financial sector, government, and producer organisations, who explored opportunities and challenges facing agricultural MSMEs and identified practical measures to strengthen the sector's contribution to food security, employment, and rural development.

The panellists included Terri Henry-Lovell, Vice President of Dominica Herbal Business Association; Narrin Murphy Senior Relationship Officer for Corporate Banking at National Bank of Dominica Ltd; and Micah Walter, Coordinator for Private Sector Relations, Industry, Commerce and Innovation Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship &Small Business Development.

Through initiatives that support innovation, market access, resilience, and entrepreneurship, IICA continues to work alongside the Government of Dominica and national stakeholders to advance a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector.