Since he was little, José Domingo Marcano Fernández was immersed in the countryside environment, surrounded by sounds, aromas and rural rhythms. His training began at home, guided by his parents: Don Miguel Marcano and Doña Ángela Inés Fernández, a pioneer of Dominican pig farming. Together they ran the largest pig farm in the country, with more than 2,800 bellies. From them he inherited fundamental values such as discipline, love for animals and the firm belief that producing quality on Dominican soil is a way of serving the country.
That passion led him, along with his family, to become one of the most committed allies of National Cuesta Center (CCN). The relationship with the company began in 2006, when he was still working with his parents and established his first contacts as a supplier. Years later, José Domingo decided to embark on his own path with his wife Patricia, a dentist by profession, and in 2012 they acquired a deteriorated farm in Guatapanal, Mao, with capacity for only 150 mothers. Today they have two additional farms for the development of piglets in Guayacanal, Santiago and Naranjal, Cutupú, La Vega with more than 800 pigs and they project to reach 1,500.
Since then they have been part of the network of producers of CCNand together they promote the project El Criollo Pork of National Originan initiative that transformed the Dominican consumer’s perception of fresh meat and strengthened the local pork sector. Its approach and alliance with CCN It has served to promote the consumption of 100% Dominican pork and receive valuable training for its production. Under this joint project, experts were brought from Costa Rica to teach new cuts and processes, such as bondiola, brisket and pork secret, which today are part of the Dominican menu.
This sustained growth is the result of years of effort and an alliance based on trust and common vision. “CCN has been a key partner, because it is not just about buying or selling, but about growing together, about raising the quality of the Dominican product,” says Marcano.
The farm in Mao is recognized as health and genetic management modelwith the potential to repopulate farms affected by African swine fever. It reflects order, cleanliness and commitment. Patricia, involved in every stage of the process, leads with confidence. Six women work in the maternity area, a symbol of growing female leadership in agriculture. “Andreína, our veterinarian, did her internship with my mother—she knows the little book by heart!” Marcano comments proudly. Meanwhile, men are in charge of the gestation and fattening areas, where automatic feeding systems have already been implemented. This combination of knowledge, innovation and human sensitivity defines the spirit of its operation.
Marcano has turned his farm into an example of good sanitary practices. “We only use essential antibiotics,” he explains. “We apply all the necessary vaccines and take care of every stage of the process.” Although swine fever remains a challenge, experience and planning have been key. Maintaining separate farms, complying with protocols and betting on local genetics are pillars of its sustainability strategy.
The story of José Domingo and Patricia is also a testimony to the power of alliances between producers and companies. With the technical and commercial support of CCNhave raised quality standards, encouraging the consumption of local pork and new cuts and promoting pride in everything Dominican from the farm to the shelves of Supermercados Nacional, Jumbo and Merca Jumbo, where they ship about 27,000 to 30,000 pounds of pork weekly.
Today, as the sun sets over Mao, José Domingo and Patricia contemplate their farm with satisfaction. In each corral they see more than animals: they see opportunities, learning and the future for the Dominican countryside. Their plans are still underway: incorporate more technology, diversify products and strengthen their alliance with CCN. All with the certainty that a job well done and faith in what we do is the way.
