Dominican Republic and Brazil enhance agricultural cooperation

Santo Domingo.- The Ministries of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic and Brazil have signed a bilateral cooperation agreement to enhance agricultural production in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. This agreement will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies through the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (Embrapa).

A meeting was held in a hotel in Santo Domingo to approve a memorandum of cooperation and understanding that has been in development for about three years, facilitated by the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Brazil.

The agreement focuses on cooperation, digital and virtual production tools, and the transmission of knowledge and advancements in agriculture and livestock models used in Brazil to the Dominican Republic. It also aims to share knowledge gained in the Dominican Republic with Brazil, according to Dominican Minister of Agriculture, Limber Cruz.

Cruz announced plans to establish an Embrapa office in the Dominican Republic to transmit these methods to local technicians, producers, and neighboring Caribbean nations.

Dominican ambassador to Brazil, Patricia Villegas de Jorge, emphasized the importance of this initiative to President Luis Abinader and Minister Limber Cruz. She highlighted Brazil’s advancements in research, development, and technology, which can benefit Dominican agricultural production.

The agreement will provide a platform for training technicians and specialists in various agricultural sectors, including bovine and sheep farming, milk and dairy production, fruit trees, coffee, cocoa, and other export and local consumption products.

Additionally, it will focus on rural training, agribusiness, and other areas that promote the growth and economic improvement of national producers, helping to create structures that ensure food security for the Dominican people.

During the meeting, participants reviewed information on virtual courses offered by Embrapa and explored a virtual and digital study platform presented by international experts Paulo Galerani and Rodrigo Ferraz from Embrapa’s International Relations and Digital Agriculture departments, respectively.

Members of the Dominican Agricultural Cabinet, a delegation of businessmen, representatives of Brazil, diplomatic authorities, technicians, producers, and national businessmen also attended the event.