October 25, 2021

Dominican Republic's restocking project to aid pig farmers impacted by ASF

The Dominican Republic has launched a project for the economic recovery of local pig farmers affected by African swine fever (ASF).

Launched by the President of Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, and the Minister of Agriculture, Limber Cruz, this month, the project will provide technical assistance and flexible financing to small pig producers.

To implement the plan, which begins in Sanchez Ramirez, the area with the highest number of pigs slaughtered, Abinader provided an allocation of RD$72 million (US$1.3 million).

Through an agreement signed between the government, the Agricultural Bank and the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD), the plan seeks to promote restocking with other species of animals such as goats, chickens and cows, to provide a livelihood for affected producers until the authorities certify that restocking pigs is safe.

A total of 74,000 pigs in the Dominican Republic were slaughtered as part of a contingency plan for the eradication of ASF.

- Ministry of Agriculture (Dominican Republic)