Social and political organizations in the Dominican Republic are staging protests in response to the government’s decision to eliminate tariff protections for domestically produced rice. The move is seen as a threat to local farmers, who fear increased competition from imported rice. The demonstration is scheduled for October 25, 2026, in Nagua, where groups are calling on farmers, agricultural workers, and local traders to participate.
The Broad Front (Frente Amplio) and the Jesús Adón Popular Bloc (Bloque Popular Jesús Adón) organized the march, which is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the town’s main park, progressing toward San Francisco de Macorís. Organizers aim to demand stronger government measures to safeguard local rice production.
This protest is primarily in response to Decree 635-26, issued by President Luis Abinader on September 9, 2026, which repealed the previous Decree 693-24. The earlier decree established a tariff system aimed at protecting local rice from international competition.
Organizers, including María Teresa Cabrera, president of the Broad Front, assert that the repeal of tariff protections responds to external pressures, particularly from the United States, associated with bilateral trade negotiations. Cabrera emphasized the potential harm to a sector that includes over 30,000 producers and sustains many jobs in transportation and supply.
“Rice is not just another commodity; it is essential for the Dominican people and the livelihoods of thousands of farming families. Weakening domestic production in favor of imports risks economic and social consequences that extend beyond agriculture,” Cabrera stated. Concerns are also mounting regarding food security, which she termed a matter of national sovereignty.
With the government’s commitment to negotiate trade terms with international partners, agricultural organizations are increasingly seeking clarity on what measures will be in place to support domestic rice production post-decree repeal. The planned demonstration reflects a growing urgency among stakeholders to ensure that local farmers are protected amid ongoing changes in trade policy.
