Agriculture will meet with rice farmers on Monday to analyze measures and listen to them

Santo Domingo.– The Minister of Agriculture, Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme, will hold a meeting next Monday at 10:00 a.m. with representatives of the national rice sector at the Valle Verde Club, in Cerro Alto, La Vega, to analyze the support lines to be followed after the repeal of decree 693-24, related to the tariff treatment of rice within the framework of DR-CAFTA.

Representatives from the different producer federations and organizations in the rice industrial sector have been invited to the meeting, with the purpose of listening to their concerns, defining priorities, and reaching a consensus on a work agenda that contributes to strengthening national production, reducing costs, and increasing competitiveness.

Upon his arrival in the country after participating alongside President Luis Abinader in the 2026 World Food Forum, convened by the FAO, Espaillat Bencosme revealed that dialogue, modernization, and support for national production will be fundamental to preserving the strength of Dominican rice and the well-being of the families that depend on this activity.

He stated that, since coming to power, President Luis Abinader has proven to be a faithful and permanent ally of the rice sector, and assured that the current circumstances will be no exception. He maintained that the president’s vision and commitment to the State constitute a guarantee for producers, who can count on an administration that has known how to step up in the most difficult moments.

The official called on rice farmers to maintain faith and confidence, noting that they are not alone and that they have the Government’s support to face the challenges of the commercial landscape. Likewise, he assured that the country has enough rice to supply the local market, for which he urged to preserve the tranquility and unity of the sector.

He highlighted that the rice industry is strong, solid, and represents much more than food security, as it generates jobs, boosts the economies of numerous communities, and constitutes one of the main pillars of the Dominican agricultural sector.