Page "Economy of the Dominican Republic" Paragraph 6

With almost 30 % of the total land area suitable for crop production and about 17 % of the labor force engaged in farming, agriculture remains the primary occupation, accounting for 11 % of GDP in 2001.

Value of agricultural output grew at an average annual rate of 7. 1 % during 1968 – 73, but since 1975 the sector has been hampered by droughts ( 1975, 1977, and 1979 ), hurricanes ( in 1979 and 1980 ), and slumping world prices and quota allocations for sugar ( since 1985 ).

In 1999, agricultural production was 0. 4 % higher than during 1989 – 91.

The fertile Cibao Valley is the main agricultural center.

In 1998, arable land totaled ; with land under permanent crops at.