Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader assured that rice consumed in the Dominican Republic will continue to be produced locally, guaranteeing food security and job stability for farmers. He highlighted that in 2024, rice production reached 14.2 million quintals, surpassing the 12.9 million quintal average recorded between 2016 and 2020.
During his address to the National Assembly, Abinader reaffirmed his commitment to protecting rice producers from the free importation policy under DR-CAFTA, citing Decree 693-24 as a measure to safeguard national production. He emphasized that his administration has honored its promise to support the sector.
The president also noted significant agricultural growth, including an increase in banana production from 8 million to 11 million units per day since 2019 and a rise in greenhouse production from 12 to 22 million pounds per month. Additionally, he highlighted the expansion of the tobacco industry, with cultivated areas growing and annual exports exceeding US$1,200 million.
