USDA, Dominican Republic Sign Marketing Agreement

July 26,1999

USDA and the Dominican Republic have agreed to a plan designed to develop and improve Dominican local markets and improve marketing and agribusiness opportunities there.

The agreement was signed by USDA Deputy Secretary Richard Rominger and Dominican Secretary of Agriculture Amilcar Portuondo. In addition to signing the agreement, officials of the two countries discussed issues ranging from the upcoming World Trade Organization negotiations to ongoing U.S. efforts to help the Dominican republic recover from Hurricane Georges.

Signing the agreement concluded a week-long visit by Dominican officials and representatives of the agricultural sector. They met with Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture Jay Healey and New York Commissioner of Agriculture Nathen Rudgers and toured farmers' markets in both states. They also toured U.S. port facilities and U.S. produce marketing outlets.

"The Dominican government has emphasized the development and expansion of their marketing system, and USDA is committed to aiding in that effort," said Rominger. "By improving their marketing infrastructure, we improve prospects for farmers in both nations."

For more information, contact Mary Ann Keeffe, deputy administrator, International Cooperation and Development, Foreign Agricultural Service, (202) 690-0775.