Dominica looks to continue banana shipments to the UK

After stopping exports to the UK two years ago after Black Sigatoka disease hit, Dominica is looking…

After stopping exports to the UK two years ago after Black Sigatoka disease hit, Dominica is looking to resume shipments. According to Agriculture Minister Johnson Drigo meetings have taken place between farmers, stakeholders about the decision as the industry recovers from the disease.

“We are rapidly establishing the banana unit…there are meetings going on across the island, meeting core farmers, especially targeted at the export market,” he said.

He said the targeted farmers will receive all the support needed and that farmers are now able to purchase inputs at reduced prices.

“As of this week we are selling fertilizer to the farmers at a reduced price…all in an effort for assist the banana and plantain farmers in rehabilitating their farms,” he added.

Winfresh, which imports and distributes the fruit, said that it had taken the unusual step of suspending the import of bananas because of concerns over the quality of the fruit.