Franklin Romero proposes law to protect rice production in the Dominican Republic
The senator for the Duarte province, Franklin Romero, presented a legislative proposal to the Senate of the Republic aimed at safeguarding national rice producers. This initiative arises as a response to the growing concern over the effects of trade liberalization and the elimination of tariffs following the entry into force of DR-CAFTA and the recent repeal of Decree 693-24.
During his speech at the ordinary session, the legislator emphasized that the country needs robust defense mechanisms that are legally compatible with international treaties, ensuring that competitiveness must not mean the abandonment of the Dominican fields.
Strategic axes of the proposal
Romero’s proposal seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework that guarantees the sustainability of the rice sector. Among the main measures included in the project are:
- Implementation of a support price or guaranteed minimum income for producers.
- Creation of a strategic reserve of locally harvested rice.
- Mandatory prioritization of Dominican cereal in public procurement programs.
- Access to specialized financing through the Agricultural Bank and strengthening of agricultural insurance.
- Reduction in energy costs applicable to the sector.
- Establishment of a national observatory for real-time monitoring of market behavior.
Opening our markets cannot mean closing our fields.
Franklin Romero, senator for the Duarte province.
The legislator called for unifying criteria among the different sectors to achieve the approval of this law. Concern for the rice sector has gained strength in various areas of the country, given that this industry represents a fundamental pillar for the national economy and the livelihood of thousands of rural families.
