National Agricultural Labour Task Force

The National Agricultural Labour Task Force is a strategic body established by the Government of Dominica to address pressing labor shortages in the country’s vital agricultural sector. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, the Task Force plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s food security by ensuring the availability of sufficient farm labor to support agricultural growth, resilience, and sustainability.

Purpose and Formation of the National Agricultural Labour Task Force

In response to growing challenges in securing consistent agricultural labor—particularly following recent climate-related disasters and economic shifts—Dominica established the National Agricultural Labour Task Force to coordinate the national response. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise and revitalise the agricultural sector, as envisioned in the National Agriculture Policy and Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan.

The Task Force is led by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and reports directly to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Farm Labour, ensuring that its recommendations and policy directions are aligned with government priorities and are supported at the highest level.

Strategic Goals and Functions

The primary goal of the Task Force is to create actionable, long-term solutions for agricultural labor shortages. Its core functions include:

• Coordinating farm labor initiatives at the national level
• Designing migration response frameworks to fill labor gaps
• Monitoring and evaluating policy impact on the agricultural workforce
• Advising Cabinet on urgent and emerging labor-related issues in the sector
• Collaborating with public and private stakeholders to develop inclusive labor policies

The work of the Task Force directly supports the objectives of Dominica’s National Agricultural Labour Policy, contributing to the transformation of agriculture into a more modern, resilient, and profitable sector.

Stakeholder Composition

The Task Force is multi-sectoral in nature, involving representatives from:

• The Division of Agriculture
• The Ministry of Labour
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• The Dominica Employers’ Federation
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
• Representatives from farmer associations
• International development partners, notably the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

This broad representation ensures that the policies reflect the realities on the ground and leverage cross-sector expertise in finding sustainable labor solutions.

Migration and Labour Strategy

One of the key elements under exploration by the Task Force is the use of targeted migration programs to fill critical labor shortages. The idea is to design controlled, temporary migration channels that support national farm production targets, while ensuring fair treatment and integration of foreign workers.

The IOM Development Fund has provided financial support for this planning phase, enabling data collection, labor market assessments, and stakeholder consultations. Once finalized, the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to submit the proposed framework to the Cabinet of Ministers for formal approval and implementation.

Supporting the Agricultural Vision

The creation of the Task Force complements Dominica’s broader development goals outlined in documents such as:

• The National Agriculture Policy
• The Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan
• The National Resilience Development Strategy 2030

By addressing labor supply issues, the Task Force helps unlock productivity in key sub-sectors such as crop farming, livestock production, and agro-processing, ensuring that Dominica remains food secure and competitive.

Future Outlook

As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, the National Agricultural Labour Task Force will play a central role in ensuring Dominica’s farmers have the workforce support they need. Its long-term success hinges on:

• Establishing reliable labor systems
• Promoting decent work conditions
• Encouraging youth engagement in agriculture
• Adapting to technological and climate shifts

With continued support from government and international partners, the Task Force is positioned to deliver meaningful change in the sector, strengthening Dominica’s food systems and rural economy for years to come.