Dominica's Finance Minister urges stronger policies and innovation to support OECS root crop farmers and rural communities.
Dominica: Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Dr. Irving Mcintrye has called for an enhanced agricultural sector within the region. This call was made during the opening ceremony of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Root Crop Symposium, which was held in Dominica on May 7 and May 8, 2026, where Minister Irving Mcintyre addressed the stakeholders on behalf of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Finance emphasised the significance of the symposium, saying that the topics that will be discussed during the sessions will support food security and resilience among the member states as well as help sustain the region's economy.
It is particularly fitting that this symposium is being convened at this time. Because throughout the Caribbean, we are being reminded with increasing frequency that food security, climate resilience and economic sustainability can no longer treated as separate conversations; but must instead form part of a single and coordinated regional development agenda, stated the Minister of Finance.
Minister Irving Mcintyre went on to emphasise the importance of the agriculture sector in shaping a country’s economy and society for the coming generations, noting that it creates employment and social stability.
Stating all this, Mcintyre called the policymakers and leaders across the region to act in order to create a beneficial sector both the farmers and rural communities.
As policymakers and regional leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that the outcomes of discussions such as these, lead to tangible improvements in the lives of farmers and rural communities through stronger policies, improved financing mechanisms, better infrastructure, expanding market opportunities and increase support for innovation and value addition, expressed Mcintyre.
Dominica’s Finance Minister has expressed hope that the discussions will provide a practical roadmap which will enhance and expand the root crop sector in OECS.
He further spoke of the problems facing the sector and stated that partnership among OECS member states and regional institutions is critical to help provide a “practical path forward” and transform the root crop industry in the region.
The Root Crop Symposium gathered different farmers, agro-processors, researchers, policymakers and delegates, who discussed the future of root crop production in the region. The stakeholders explored different innovative farming techniques, climate smart practices and various ways to collaborate as a region in order to strengthen the future of staple crops including cassava, dasheen, yam, and sweet potato.