Dominican rice sector trusts government to protect local production amid U.S. talks

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican rice sector says it trusts President Luis Abinader and government authorities to protect national production as the Dominican Republic negotiates a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States.

Heraldo Suero, director of the Dominican Association of Rice Factories (Adofa), said the sector expects the government to preserve the conditions needed to safeguard rice production, particularly as rice has become part of the ongoing trade discussions with the U.S.

Suero said the Dominican Republic has been asked to repeal Decree 699-24, which established measures affecting rice imports. While Adofa does not yet know what mechanism will replace the decree, he expressed hope that any new arrangement will maintain conditions similar to those established under the current framework, while addressing areas that could be improved or clarified.

He stressed the importance of maintaining rice as a staple food produced domestically, noting that the industry operates in more than 21 provinces and involves over 30,000 producers. The sector also supports a broad network of economic activities and contributes significantly to local economies.

Adofa is now awaiting the government’s decision on the mechanism that will govern protections for Dominican rice production as trade negotiations with the United States move forward.