Rice farmers warn of falling producer prices in Colombia

The National Federation of Rice Growers (Fedearroz) reported a further decrease in the price received by green paddy rice producers in the country's main rice-growing regions, which ranges between $10,000 and $15,000 per load. This adjustment adds to the downward trend that has characterized prices since the beginning of 2025.

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Fedearroz general manager Rafael Hernández Lozano recalled that in June 2024, the national average paid to farmers was around $225,000 per load. " To date, it has dropped to $170,000 in the central region and to $158,000 in the Llanos region, a historic reduction that represents a drop of nearly 25% ," he indicated.

According to Fedearroz, the magnitude of this decline exceeds the progress achieved with the adoption of technological practices under the Amtec program , which aims to align production costs with those recorded in the United States. In the Federation's view, current prices prevent farmers from reaching a break-even point.

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The Fedearroz statement emphasizes that the decrease in producer prices directly affects the weakest link in the value chain, as it transfers all productive, commercial, and economic risks to farmers.

" The idea isn't for the other links in the chain to register losses; prices must be fair for everyone, guaranteeing justice for the primary link from the outset, because otherwise, what becomes entrenched is the destruction of a basic production sector for national food security ," Hernández stated.

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The document highlights that, despite the numerous meetings held by the Ministry of Agriculture, which is responsible for protecting food production, the decline in prices for farmers continues. Fedearroz warned that this situation creates a climate of tension and concern just as the year's major harvest begins.

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They also recalled the State's obligation established in Article 65 of the Colombian Constitution, which calls for special protection for food production and those who make it possible. The Federation called on the Government to immediately intervene in the rice value chain and review the price distortions affecting the production sector.

Fedearroz called on authorities to adopt measures that promote equity, transparency, and sustainability in the rice sector , ensuring that farmers do not bear the risks inherent in the production and marketing process alone.

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