Rivero assures Government will adopt measures to protect rice producers

The Executive Branch’s agricultural advisor stated that the matter is being handled “at the highest level” to ensure the continuity of national production.

Santo Domingo.– The Executive Branch advisor on agricultural matters, Eric Rivero, assured this Tuesday that the Government contemplates implementing compensatory measures and direct support policies for rice producers, in light of the concern generated in the sector by the elimination of the tariff regime that protected national production.

Rivero explained that the situation is being handled “at the highest level” by President Luis Abinader and maintained that the decisions adopted will be aimed at ensuring that producers can continue to carry out the activity profitably.

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“Rice for our country is more than just a commodity, it is a culture,” stated Rivero, highlighting the weight the cereal holds in the diet of Dominicans and its importance for food sovereignty.

The official considered that the country must preserve its capacity to produce the cereal and avoid relying exclusively on the international market to guarantee its supply, especially taking into account the experiences lived during the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruptions that can occur in international supply chains.

“One way or another, we must find a way for producers to continue working, subsisting, producing, and earning money,” he expressed.

Rivero indicated that the rice industry contributes nearly 20% of the agricultural gross domestic product and tens of thousands of people depend on it, reasons for which he considered it necessary to preserve national production.

“I am sure that it will not be the fate of our country’s rice” to be left solely at the mercy of trade, he stated, while reiterating that compensatory measures and other government actions are expected to support producers.

Repeal of tariff protection for rice

The statements come after the Executive Branch repealed, through Decree 635-26, issued on September 9, Decree 693-24, which since December 2024 had established a tariff regime to protect national production against the commercial conditions provided for in DR-Cafta. The regulation contemplated a 20% tariff for certain categories of rice within the quota and 99% for imports outside of it.

The repeal comes amid trade talks between the Dominican Republic and the United States regarding access for U.S. rice to the Dominican market under DR-CAFTA. Previously, U.S. trade representatives had raised with the country the importance of eliminating those measures to comply with the access conditions contemplated in the trade agreement.