NewsWhore
07-27-2011, 03:00 PM
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a US$10 million loan to the Dominican Republic to help the Ministry of Agriculture improve the prevention and control of plant and animal pests to safeguard the quality of food consumed locally or exported. The resources will help the Dominican Republic raise standards in its agriculture sector, improve access to national and international markets, and strengthen the government's capacity to supply and integrate its animal and plant health and food safety services.
Over the next five years, the program will strengthen food safety by reducing residues and contaminants in agricultural products. The program will benefit 3,750 farmers and 200 livestock producers through training in good agricultural practices. In addition, the number of packing plants registered with the Department of Food Safety is expected to increase from 10 to 120.
Measures to improve animal health services will be carried out at the national level, starting with pilot projects in the provinces of Puerto Plata, Espaillat and Maria Trinidad Sanchez.
One-third of Dominicans live in rural areas, where poverty levels reach 56% of the population. The agricultural sector generates about 8% of the country's gross domestic product and 15% of national employment. Agricultural exports account for 30%of the total value of its exports.
The IDB loan is for 25 years, with a 3-year grace period and a LIBOR-based interest rate.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#2)
Over the next five years, the program will strengthen food safety by reducing residues and contaminants in agricultural products. The program will benefit 3,750 farmers and 200 livestock producers through training in good agricultural practices. In addition, the number of packing plants registered with the Department of Food Safety is expected to increase from 10 to 120.
Measures to improve animal health services will be carried out at the national level, starting with pilot projects in the provinces of Puerto Plata, Espaillat and Maria Trinidad Sanchez.
One-third of Dominicans live in rural areas, where poverty levels reach 56% of the population. The agricultural sector generates about 8% of the country's gross domestic product and 15% of national employment. Agricultural exports account for 30%of the total value of its exports.
The IDB loan is for 25 years, with a 3-year grace period and a LIBOR-based interest rate.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#2)