The Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) has successfully completed the second of two trial shipments of plantains to the United States. The shipments departed Dominica on June 11 and June 19 . A total of forty-one thousand (41,000) pounds of Dominican plantains, sourced from over thirty (30) local farmers were exported. These pilot shipments are part of a broader effort to expand Dominica’s trade footprints in both regional and international markets, with a strong emphasis on product quality, supply chain efficiency, and farmer empowerment.

This milestone reflects DEXIA’s commitment to strengthening the island’s agricultural value chain and farmer support, through structured market access and guaranteed procurement. The US market offers significant opportunities for Dominica’s fresh produce, given its growing demand for more natural and healthier produce.

“The successful execution of this shipment demonstrates our continued progress in positioning Dominica as a reliable source of fresh, sustainable produce,” said Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy. “We thank our farmers for their dedication and partnership; their hard work is at the core of this achievement.”

A key feature of the market expansion initiative is DEXIA’s Procurement of Agricultural Produce Facility, which Government established in 2023, that enables prompt, 48-hour payment to farmers.

This facility represents a critical component in improving farmer confidence and livelihoods DEXIA will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that farmers are able to deliver export quality produce on a consistent basis while at the same time vigorously explore new market opportunities, the result of which is intended to contribute to Government’s target of attaining $700m of GDP in agricultural trade by 2030.