Government meets with rice farmers to support the sector

President Luis Abinader held a meeting with representatives of the national rice sector, in which measures were adopted aimed at strengthening production, consolidating the sector's institutional framework, and guaranteeing the food security of the Dominican Republic. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Francisco Oliverio Espaillat, along with members of the Dominican Association of Rice Factories (ADOFA), the National Federation of Rice Producers (FENARROZ), and the Northwest Rice Producers Association (APRANO), who presented proposals and suggestions to continue promoting the development of the sector. During the meeting, one of the main topics addressed was the strengthening of Bio-Rice, with the aim of providing it with a more solid structure, greater independence and a more active role for the productive sectors in decision-making, guaranteeing the continuity over time of the research and development processes. Furthermore, the strengthening of the Technical Execution Unit for Pledges (UTEPI) was discussed, as a fundamental axis to consolidate the system of pledging agricultural items, especially rice, with a view to ensuring financial stability and sustainability for producers. Another key point was the need to update the institutional framework of the National Rice Commission, by reviewing the decree in force since 2000, in order to transform it into a body with greater influence in the strategic decision-making of the sector. Similarly, a balance of the current situation of national planting, harvesting and production was made, as well as the performance and growth of the rice sector, assessing its impact on the economy and its key role in the country's food supply. President Abinader reiterated his commitment to continue strengthening public policies aimed at the agricultural sector, promoting a climate of trust, permanent dialogue and joint work with producers, in line with the policies that his administration has been promoting in favor of the Dominican countryside. The sector representatives described the meeting as highly positive, emphasizing that these initiatives contribute to consolidating a modern, resilient agricultural sector, aimed at guaranteeing the food security of all Dominicans.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Francisco Oliverio Espaillat, along with representatives of the Dominican Rice Factory Association (ADOFA), including Negro Hernández, Manolo Tavárez and Juan Portela; as well as directors of the National Federation of Rice Producers (FENARROZ), headed by its president, Marco Rodríguez, and also including Iván Tío, Mauricio María and Juan Pablo Pérez, as well as members of the Northwest Rice Producers Association (APRANO).