FAO and Dominica ministry train 30 people in greenhouse production

On Tuesday 27 October, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy and the Food and Agriculture Organization said 30 participants received specialised instruction on greenhouse production in Dominica. FAO Protected Agriculture Specialist Jervis Rowe trained people from farming, greenhouse operations, construction, agricultural extension services, and student and youth groups.

According to the ministry and FAO, the programme covered greenhouse design and construction, day-to-day management, and the selection of inputs for crop performance. The two bodies also conducted practical assessments at greenhouse facilities in Massacre, the Kalinago Territory and La Plaine.

The assessments examined structural conditions, operational practices and production methods, the ministry and FAO said. Consultations with agricultural input suppliers considered tomato and sweet pepper varieties and fertilisers for greenhouse cultivation.

The ministry and FAO said the initiative is intended to help local producers improve the efficiency and output of greenhouse operations, while supporting sustainable farming practices and agricultural resilience in Dominica.