Colombia Rice Strike Ends as Government and Producers Reach Agreement
The National Government of Colombia announced Thursday afternoon the end of an 11-day rice strike, as blockades on major roadways across the country were lifted following an agreement with rice producers. The agreement, reached through a process of “open, respectful, constructive and participatory dialogue,” focuses on establishing a minimum purchase price for green paddy rice and implementing measures to strengthen the sector’s sustainability, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Key Points of the Agreement
The agreement centers on several key provisions designed to address the concerns of rice farmers:
- Regulation of the price of green paddy rice: A minimum purchase price will be established to provide farmers with a more stable income.
- Commercial defense measures: Measures will be implemented to protect domestic rice production from unfair competition.
- Creation of a Technical Commission: A commission will be formed to oversee the implementation of the agreement and address ongoing challenges in the sector.
- Tariffs for water usage: The agreement also addresses tariffs related to water usage for rice cultivation.
Reactions to the Agreement
Óscar Gutiérrez, president of Agricultural Dignity, expressed gratitude for the outcome, congratulating the “thousands of ricemen” who “stopped with courage and decision on the roads of Colombia and that gave a civil defense lesson.” According to reports, protesters anticipated the lifting of blockades in the coming hours following the announcement.
Impact on Transportation
The strike had caused significant disruptions to transportation, particularly to the city of Villavicencio. In response, the Minister of Transportation, María Fernanda Rojas, had requested airlines maintain solidarity rates on flights to the region. Avianca announced it would double capacity on flights to Villavicencio during the weekend, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 passengers.
Ongoing Concerns and Future Steps
While the immediate crisis has been averted, challenges remain. Leaders of the rice guild indicated that the agreements would be socialized with the entire membership, with the final decision to fully lift the blockades resting with the farmers themselves. Government technical teams and the National Rice Strike Committee are scheduled to finalize the agreement text before submitting it to the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC).
The resolution of the rice strike underscores the ongoing need for dialogue and collaboration between the government and agricultural producers to ensure the sustainability of Colombia’s vital agricultural sector.
