In the Dominican Republic, a major player in the agri-food sector in the Caribbean, the Ministry of Agriculture has entrusted COLEAD with the new SIA project (SANIDAD E INNOVACION AGROPECUARIA), which aims to make a significant difference to food safety and the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. The aim of the project is to respond to the many challenges facing the Dominican agricultural sector, particularly in terms of health and sanitary and phytosanitary standards, while promoting sustainable growth. The SIA project is financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) over a period of 29 months.

Objectives of the SIA project

The main objective of the SIA project is to strengthen sustainable production capacities, increase food safety and improve access to local and international markets. The specific objectives are as follows

• Improve agri-food health and safety services by modernising infrastructure and working methods to ensure better compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
• Promoting innovation and technology transfer by introducing advanced technologies and innovative practices to increase productivity and environmental sustainability.
• Improve the agricultural statistical system by developing a data collection and analysis system for better decision-making and more effective agricultural policies.

Key components of the project

The SIA project is structured around four main modules, each targeting specific aspects of the Dominican agriculture and livestock sector:

• Module 1: health reform, including updating regulations and developing a national SPS policy.
• Module 2: improving SPS systems for better decision making based on scientific and factual data.
• Module 3: strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary surveillance programmes to maintain the country’s phytosanitary status.
• Module 4: improve health management within the food safety department, focusing on good agricultural practices and certification.

Commitment and future impact

With the SIA project, the Dominican Republic is making a firm commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability. This project is not just a response to current needs, but a proactive vision for a future where food safety, economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability are inextricably linked.