La Altagracia Leads Dominican Beef And Milk Production

La Altagracia, a province in the eastern Dominican Republic that includes the tourism hub of Punta Cana and the city of Higüey, has more than 215,000 head of cattle and ranks first nationally in both beef and milk production, Agriculture Minister Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme said Sunday.

The figures were presented during the opening of the 35th Agricultural Fair of the Eastern Region, organized by the Association of Nisibón Cattle Ranchers (AGANI) in Higüey. The event also featured the delivery of a modern packaging facility to the producers’ association, part of an effort to expand processing capacity and add value to local livestock production.

Livestock Remains Important To The Eastern Economy

Espaillat Bencosme highlighted cattle farming’s contribution to food production, employment and economic activity in communities across the eastern region. The sector connects primary production with processing and commercial activities, making infrastructure and technical support important to producers seeking to increase the value of their output.

The minister said the government would continue supporting livestock producers through measures focused on animal health, technical assistance, genetic improvement, access to financing and the adoption of technology.

“Quiero que cada ganadero que hoy nos acompaña tenga la certeza de una cosa: el Ministerio de Agricultura es y seguirá siendo un aliado permanente de la producción nacional”, Espaillat Bencosme said.

AGANI Receives New Processing Facility

The Agriculture Ministry delivered the new packaging facility to AGANI during the event at the association’s facilities in La Otra Banda, Higüey. The infrastructure is intended to strengthen the organization’s processing capabilities and help ranchers capture greater value from their production.

AGANI President Pedro Castillo welcomed the ministry’s support and pointed to the association’s work addressing the needs of producers in the region. The organization was founded in 1969 and now has more than 1,000 affiliated producers across La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, La Romana and Monte Plata.

The association’s 57-year history has made it one of the established organizations representing livestock producers in the eastern Dominican Republic. The annual agricultural fair has also become a meeting point for producers, livestock breeders and visitors interested in the sector.

Fair Brings More Than 530 Cattle To Higüey

The 35th Agricultural Fair of the Eastern Region runs through August 16 and features more than 530 cattle from different provinces. The program includes dairy competitions, Paso Higüeyano competitions, auctions of high-genetic-value animals, livestock judging and other activities for producers and visitors.

The event comes as livestock producers in the eastern region showcase both production and breeding capacity. For La Altagracia, the concentration of more than 215,000 cattle reinforces the province’s role in a sector that supplies two of the country’s key animal-protein and dairy products while supporting employment and commercial activity in rural communities.