The Division of Agriculture has partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to launch a 20-week Farmer Field School programme designed to equip young people with practical agricultural skills and entrepreneurial knowledge.
The initiative officially commenced on Friday, October 4, bringing together young farmers and aspiring agripreneurs for hands-on training in crop production, livestock management, and farm business development. The programme is part of a broader effort to strengthen Dominica's agricultural sector and create sustainable livelihoods for the island's youth.
Under the Farmer Field School model, participants learn by doing. Rather than sitting in a classroom, they work directly in the field, observing crops, testing techniques, and solving problems as they arise. This approach is widely used across the Caribbean and has proven effective in transferring practical knowledge to small-scale farmers.
The partnership with the IOM reflects a growing recognition that agriculture can play a central role in rural development and in providing alternatives to migration. By investing in young farmers, the programme aims to build a skilled workforce capable of increasing local food production and reducing the island's reliance on imported goods.
Officials say the 20-week duration allows enough time for participants to move through a full planting cycle, from land preparation and seed selection to harvesting and marketing. Sessions will also cover record-keeping, access to finance, and the use of climate-smart practices — skills that are increasingly important as Dominica faces more unpredictable weather patterns.
The Farmer Field School is expected to benefit young people from communities across the island, including those in rural areas where farming remains a primary source of income. Organisers hope the programme will encourage participants to see agriculture not just as a livelihood, but as a viable business opportunity.
Dominica's agricultural sector has long been a pillar of the economy, with bananas, plantains, cocoa, coffee, and root crops among the main exports. In recent years, the government has placed greater emphasis on revitalising the sector through training, infrastructure, and access to markets. The Farmer Field School adds to that effort by focusing specifically on the next generation of farmers.
For young Dominicans, the programme offers a chance to gain recognised skills without leaving the island. It also aligns with wider regional goals of boosting food security and reducing the Caribbean's high food import bill.
The Division of Agriculture has not yet announced the full list of participants or the specific locations where the field schools will be held, but further details are expected as the programme progresses. Young people interested in taking part are encouraged to contact the Division of Agriculture for information on eligibility and registration.
With its combination of practical training and entrepreneurial guidance, the Farmer Field School represents a concrete investment in the future of Dominican agriculture — one that puts young people at the centre of the island's efforts to build a more resilient and productive food system.
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