Dominica Banana Growers Association (DBGA)

The Dominica Banana Growers Association (DBGA) was established in the 1950s to organise and support banana farmers across Dominica. Its primary mission was to streamline the marketing and export of bananas, ensure fair pricing, and provide technical assistance to enhance production quality. The DBGA played a pivotal role in unifying smallholder farmers, enabling them to access international markets and contribute significantly to Dominica’s economy.

In 1954, Antilles Products Ltd., which had been purchasing Dominican bananas, sold its operations to Geest Industries Ltd. This transition marked a significant shift in the banana export landscape, with the British government signing long-term contracts to buy bananas from Caribbean islands, leading to a flourishing banana industry.

The DBGA’s efforts were instrumental in establishing a structured framework for banana cultivation and export, laying the groundwork for future organisations like the Dominica Banana Marketing Corporation (DBMC). Through its initiatives, the DBGA contributed to the socio-economic development of rural communities, providing a stable income source and improving living standards for many Dominican families.