Government expands fertilizer subsidies to protect food security

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican government has extended its fertilizer subsidy program through new agreements with companies that import agricultural inputs and raw materials, allocating more than RD$1.09 billion to help stabilize production costs and protect food prices through August 31.

The agreements were signed at the Ministry of Agriculture by Agriculture Minister Francisco Oliverio Espaillat and representatives of large and small importing companies. With the latest allocation, total government support for fertilizer subsidies now reaches RD$2.151 billion, reinforcing efforts to support farmers amid global economic uncertainty.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the initiative helps maintain affordable fertilizer prices, strengthen food security, and prevent significant increases in the cost of the basic food basket. Officials noted that the Dominican Republic is among the few countries in the region offering direct subsidies of this scale to shield agricultural producers and consumers from international market fluctuations.

The agreements establish cooperation between the government and the private sector to guarantee a steady supply of fertilizer raw materials, prevent shortages, and ensure input availability during peak agricultural seasons. One agreement involves major importers responsible for meeting national demand, while a second includes 11 smaller importing companies to broaden market participation.

Authorities and industry representatives highlighted the program’s role in sustaining agricultural production, preserving price stability, and supporting the long-term competitiveness of the Dominican agricultural sector while helping keep food affordable for consumers.