The SIA (Sanidad e Innovación Agropecuaria) project, a collaboration between COLEAD and the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture, has made significant progress since its launch this year

Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the initiative aims to transform the food safety management and control system and improve the competitiveness of the Dominican Republic’s agricultural sector.

Progress and achievements

By the end of the first quarter 2025, all 46 planned activities will have started ,  ensuring a structured and rapid implementation of the project’s objectives.

The project team consists of 17 experts from six countries (Chile, Spain, Belgium, Argentina, Honduras and the Dominican Republic) who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the initiative. Their expertise has been instrumental in organising high-impact workshops on agricultural health intelligence, SWOT analyses of regulatory frameworks and the development of institutional strategies around the following:

Modernising SPS infrastructure: Efforts are underway to improve the country’s SPS systems, in particular by updating regulations and developing a comprehensive national SPS policy.

Strengthening surveillance: Sanitary and phytosanitary surveillance programmes will be strengthened to maintain and improve the phytosanitary status of the Dominican Republic.

Innovation and technology transfer: Advanced technologies and practices will be introduced to increase agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

Making a lasting impact

The SIA project not only addresses current agricultural challenges, but also paves the way for a more resilient, sustainable and competitive future for the Dominican Republic’s agricultural sector. By focusing on good agricultural practices, certification and evidence-based policy development, it is promoting long-term improvements in food security and market access. COLEAD remains committed to supporting the Dominican Republic on its path to sustainable agricultural growth. The SIA project continues to demonstrate how strategic partnerships, innovation and capacity building can lead to significant change in the agri-food sector.