Dominican rice producers demand protection against US imports

Rice producers in the Dominican Republic are calling for urgent government intervention following the repeal of tariff protections under Decree 635-26. This decision, linked to DR-CAFTA, allows for the entry of US rice without tariffs, sparking fears regarding the competitiveness of local farmers.

Representatives from the National Federation of Rice Producers (FENARROZ) and the Dominican Association of Rice Factories (ADOFA) have expressed concern that local producers cannot compete on equal terms due to differences in production costs, government subsidies in the US, and access to agricultural research and insurance. The sector estimates that between 30,000 and 32,000 producers depend on this activity, which also supports transport, factories, and rural employment.

In response, the Dominican government has scheduled meetings between the Minister of Agriculture, Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme, and industry representatives to analyze support lines and define a work agenda. While officials maintain there is sufficient rice to supply the local market, producers argue that current measures do not sufficiently address the economic risks to national food sovereignty and rural livelihoods.