Venezuela rice producers protest mass imports during harvest

Rice producers in Venezuela, particularly from the Guárico region, have escalated protests against the government following the arrival of 355,000 tons of imported rice during the national harvest season. During a meeting in Caracas, agricultural delegations booed Minister of Agriculture and Lands Vladimir Padrino López, accusing the state of allowing imports to undercut local prices and threaten the livelihoods of farming families.

Minister Padrino López defended the administration, stating that the water and rice sectors have grown over the last five years despite macroeconomic challenges. He urged workers not to be manipulated by social media or political interests. However, farmers and representatives from the Vente Venezuela party argue that the current import policy creates unfair competition. They contend that large volumes of imported grain are saturating the market and depressing prices, making it impossible for local producers to recover their investments.

Producers and political organizations are calling for greater transparency regarding import volumes and beneficiaries, as well as a market system where imports serve to cover actual shortages rather than displacing domestic production.