Judith Pena | January 31, 2023
The Rice Agrifood Chain, made up of producers, millers, distributors, Acodeco and consumers, approved the import of 2 million quintals of rice, in order to guarantee the supply of one of the main Panamanian foods.
The Minister of Agricultural Development Augusto Valderrama assured that this agreement guarantees Panama the supply of this grain for the months of July, August and September, just before the harvest begins in October.
This contingent of clean paddy rice must arrive in the country no later than June 15, 2023.
Alexander Araúz, president of the Rice Chain, said that this guarantees that the population has the peace of mind that there will be enough rice in the country for all Panamanians to have access to, both premium and special rice.
The representative of the millers, Alberto Martinelli, pointed out that as a private company they reached a very wise agreement to bring these quintals of rice to ensure the existence of raw material in the republic and to assure all Panamanians the grain in each plate of food.
Both the Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco), as well as technicians from the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), presented reports on the amount of rice that exists in the country.
The meeting also served as the stage to choose the new president of the Rice Chain, Ivanor Salcedo, who will have the task of ensuring that all the processes are fulfilled to strengthen the chain and ensure that Panamanians have rice on their table.
