The Government of Dominica plans to build two agro-processing facilities to support honey and pepper sauce production, aiming to strengthen the sector and boost regional and international recognition.
Dominica: The Government of Dominica has shared plans to construct two agro-processing facilities to aid in the processing and production of honey and pepper sauce in the country. This investment is part of the government’s plan to strengthen the sector and create locally produced products that are recognised in the region and beyond.
On 9th February 2026, Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit held a meeting with the country’s beekeepers and pepper sauce producers where he engaged with them in an interactive conversation on how both, through collaboration, can contribute to the nation’s development. During this meeting, the Prime Minister later announced practical ways the government will be supporting the processors to create a long-term sustainable sector.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit began the meeting by sharing a few words with the beekeepers and pepper sauce producers where he acknowledged their hard work and efforts, noting how the processors have strengthened food security and contributed to Dominica’s economic growth.
Understanding the role the beekeepers and pepper sauce producers play and the progress they’ve made in adding to the ‘value chain’, the Prime Minister addressed some of the challenges in the sector and assured the processors that the Government is “committed to supporting it in a structured and practical way.”
He went on to disclose the Government’s vision to establish a national production facility which will be fully constructed and equipped by the Government, bearing no direct cost to the agro-processors.
“One of the key challenges facing agro-processors is access to appropriate infrastructure. Processing, bottling, storage, quality testing and compliance with standards all require facilities that many small producers like you cannot reasonably develop on your own. In response to this I wish to inform you this evening that Government is actively examining the establishment of a dedicated agro-processing facility,” stated PM Skerrit.
According to Prime Minister Skerrit, the Government will construct two agro-processing facilities—one for pepper sauce producers and one for honey producers. A modernised facility will be built for the local beekeepers in Dominica to assist with their production, bottling and packaging of honey. Moreover, a national facility will be established for the pepper sauce producers to enhance production.
These shared facilities brand will enable the sellers to bottle and market their products under one national brand, ensuring consistent quality and packaging that meets international standards. Moreover, PM Skerrit shared that the coordinated production will open doors to larger supply markets, hotels, supermarkets and export buyers.
PM Skerrit explained this bigger picture to the agro-processors and shared that the aim is to strengthen the sector through a unified and structured production.
“The intention is not to take away your independence as farmers or beekeepers but to allow you to work together in areas where correlation can bring strength.”
PM Skerrit further added, “There's no reason why Dominican pepper products and Dominican honey cannot become recognized and respected brands in the region and beyond.”
According to Dr. Skerrit, the infrastructures will help the country build strong industries, creating opportunities for the young people and strengthening the economic future of Dominica. He explained of ways that the infrastructures will be bring ample benefits to the agro-processing sector including lowering input costs and many more.
“The potential benefits are significant lower input costs, better prices for improved branding and packaging, access to larger and more stable markets, greater consistency in quality, and over time, the possibility of creating additional jobs in processing, packaging and marketing,” explained Dr. Skerrit.
He further added, “For honey producers in particular there's also the opportunity to position Dominican honey as a premium product taking advantage of our natural environment and biodiversity. For pepper sauce producers there's a strong potential to expand value added products and build a recognizable brand that represents quality and consistency.”
The National Leader urged the beekeepers and pepper sauce producers to participate and share their views, believing that the step forward will be achieved through cooperation only.