Dominican Farmers Protest IAD Elimination, Demand Government Action

Farmers in Azua, Dominican Republic, staged a protest on June 10, 2025, against the planned elimination of the Dominican Agrarian Institute (IAD). The demonstration, held in the El Lavador agricultural settlement, saw dozens of farmers demanding government intervention. They cited a lack of water and the ongoing issue of land invasions as major concerns. "Eliminating the IAD is like burying the farmer," stated one protester, highlighting the vital role of the institute in supporting local agriculture. The farmers also called for sanctions against those who have illegally occupied their lands. The protest underscores the significant challenges faced by Dominican farmers and the potential impact of the IAD's elimination on their livelihoods. The government is expected to respond to the farmers' demands in the coming days.