Our Work in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a major banana producer in the Caribbean, focusing both on export and local consumption. The banana-growing regions are mainly in the central and northern parts of the country. While much of the production is for domestic markets, a significant portion is exported, particularly to the United States and Europe. The industry faces challenges related to land use, climate change, and competition from other banana-exporting countries.

A significant proportion of Dominican bananas- around 60-70% – are also certified Fairtrade.

A very diverse producer profile exists in the Dominican Republic – there are a significant number of small producers, growing their crops on land redistributed following agrarian reform, alongside medium-sized plantations and a handful of large plantations.

The Dominican banana industry’s workforce is made up of about 80% Haitian migrant workers, predominantly men, who migrate to work in the Dominican Republic without family and send remittances back home (although some bring their families with them).

Human Rights: The Dominican Republic faces human rights challenges, particularly concerning the treatment of Haitian migrants and people of Haitian descent, who face discrimination and statelessness. There are also concerns over freedom of expression, as journalists sometimes face intimidation or violence.

Labour Rights: Labour rights are protected by law, but enforcement is weak. Workers, especially in sectors like agriculture and textiles, face exploitation and poor working conditions. While union rights exist, they are often undermined by employer resistance and weak legal enforcement.

Women in the banana industry

Women in the Dominican Republic are largely engaged in banana farming, particularly in the northern and central regions. They work in various tasks such as planting, harvesting, and post-harvest activities. However, many women are concentrated in less skilled and lower-paid jobs. Gender equality efforts are ongoing, but women still face significant barriers to advancement in the banana sector.