Dominican Republic Unveils FAO-Backed Farm Project in Azua

MONTE GRANDE, Dominican Republic – A new agricultural initiative backed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched in Monte Grande, Azua province, aiming to boost productivity and create sustainable economic opportunities for local residents. The Supérate Social Development Directorate inaugurated the “Monte Grande Shade House” project, part of its Family Agriculture program, recently.

The “Palo de la Garza de Monte Grande Shade House” involves 10 men and women farmers cultivating short-cycle vegetables and produce under controlled conditions. The project comprises three structures totaling 1,900 square meters, with each productive unit spanning 633 square meters. Currently, crops include curly lettuce, beets, celery, and 'ají gustoso' peppers.

Gloria Reyes, head of the Supérate Social Development Directorate, emphasized that the project materialized through a concerted effort between her governmental entity, allied Dominican state institutions, and international organizations. “The inauguration of this shade house is the first of many such initiatives we will undertake in this community,” Reyes stated during the opening ceremony. She acknowledged the “phenomenal work” done by various state institutions, international bodies, and Supérate's own economic empowerment, family agriculture, and 'Families in Peace' programs.

Reyes also highlighted President Luis Abinader's satisfaction with the initiative and its expected outcomes. She extended gratitude to technician Fernando Peña for his vital support to participating families.

Fulvio Ureña, an environmental advisor for the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (Indrhi), underscored the project as an example of unity. “I saw these women working, carrying fertilizers, and helping to erect the structure we see today,” Ureña remarked.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary families, farmer Johanna Ramírez expressed appreciation for the assistance from Supérate and Director Reyes. “They have poured all their love into making this dream a reality. Thanks to this support, we and our families now have a livelihood,” Ramírez said.

Reverend Father John Montac of the Loyola Polytechnic Institute blessed the facility. Attendees included Miriam Guzmán, Deputy Minister of Rural Development for the Ministry of Agriculture; Joaquín González, Deputy Minister for Agroindustry Promotion at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Mipymes; Azua Governor María Minerva Navarro; and Congressman César Beltré. Supérate officials Miriam Batista, Anthony Franco, and Massiel Tavárez were also present.

The project, formally known as “Palo de la Garza Monte Grande Shade House,” began its installation and initial intervention by Supérate approximately one year ago, which included training, productive assessments, structure setup, and technical support. It has been operational for six months, and the group of farmers is currently formalizing their cooperative, “Brisas y Aguas de Monte Grande.”

During this period, the farmers have completed two full production cycles, primarily growing short-cycle vegetables such as beets, celery, peppers, three varieties of lettuce, cabbage, watermelon, and melon. The 10 participating farmers, all members of Supérate families, include Tomasina Méndez Medina, Bernardo Flores Medina, Isabel Flores Medina, Johanna Ramírez, Marilandy Torres, Martina Díaz, Gerardo Berigüete, Michel Berigüete, Adriano Montilla and Belkis Mejía.

The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (Indrhi) acquired the land, which was then transferred to the Dominican Agrarian Institute (IAD) under an agreement to be distributed among the project's beneficiary producers.

Shade houses represent a protected agriculture system designed to regulate light exposure and enhance crop quality. They are particularly beneficial in areas with intense solar radiation or limited opportunities for fresh vegetable production.

Through a strategic partnership with FAO and the Family Agriculture program, 36 such shade house projects have been constructed nationwide.