The incoming Minister of Agriculture, Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosmeassured that the management he will lead will work in the strengthening and the incorporation of new projects technology and innovation that modernize agricultural work.
After swear yesterday Wednesday as head of the institution replacing Limber CruzEspaillat assured that the national productiona pillar of food security in the country, must be expanded and sustained over time, which is why it is willing to listen to and receive the producers’ proposals.
“Although I come from rice sectorI want to make it clear that my vocation and my identity are fully agricultural; I know the sacrifice of the producer, the value of work in the countryside and the importance of each sector for the economy and social stability of the nation,” he stated in front of friends, agribusinessmen and employees of the Department of agriculture.
He indicated that he takes on the challenge of direct the entity “with deep enthusiasm, but also with a high sense of responsibility“and recognized the work of the outgoing minister, Limber Cruzensuring that he will continue the good initiatives undertaken during his management and describing him as a “friend, producer and great human being.”
The president of the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD), Osmar Benítez, stated that the institution he directs has welcomed the arrival of Oliverio Espaillat to Agriculture because he is an outstanding producer who has shown that it is possible to increase the profitability of farmers through automation and mechanization techniques in the sector.
“We support the people who have assumed leadership in the country and who have shown commitment to the rural sector,” he said.
The president of the Rice Producers Cooperative (Coopearroz), Rogelio Padilla, also valued Espaillat’s appointment positively, recognizing his career for more than three decades as an agronomist dedicated to rice cultivation and who has been part of that institution. Likewise, he indicated that they hope that new technologies and resources “arrive on time” through their management. “We know that there is a rice producer who knows the needs of the field and knows the work (that a producer goes through),” he stated.
Cross Exit
Meanwhile, Cruz thanked the Government for the opportunity to lead the ministry despite the atmospheric phenomena that shook the sector and the health challenges it had to face, such as the containment of the african swine fever.
After his departure, Cruz assured that he will return to dedicate himself with more attention to his own businesses as banana producerand indicated that it was not the time to refer to “political aspirations“hereinafter.
“I’m going with the mindthe heart and the body clean“he noted.
A “routine” change
When leading the swearing-in, the Administrative Minister of the Presidency, Andres Bautistapointed out that the act represents “a routine change“that has occurred in the ministry management.
“This continues in a clear and transparent manner, with the greatest sincerity. There is nothing behind the scenes,” said Bautista, who did not detail to the press whether they will be carried out. audits of the institutionwhich in August 2025, was investigated by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office (Pepca) for alleged “embezzlement of millionaire funds.”
