Precautionary Measures on Rice Imports Rejected

The request asked to deny entry authorization to 350,000 kilos of husked rice from Argentina, on the basis that it did not comply with the rule that stipulates that rice must be fortified in its country of origin.

An article on Nacion.com states: "They also appealed to the ministries of Foreign Trade, Economy and Health to have the grain confiscated.

But the Court ruled yesterday that the measures are not appropriate, because the food has already been distributed commercially. The fact that the petitions came too late was confirmed last night by the importation firm’s lawyer Douglas Allen and the producers’ representative, Oscar Campos.”

Source: Nacion.com

More on this topic

Rice Problem In Costa Rica Becomes International

October 2011

Local problems generated by fixing the price of the grain have extended to the international arena, sparking protests from exporting countries affected by non-tariff related barriers put in effect.

Argentina's ambassador sent a protest letter to the local Foreign Ministry regarding the requirement that the husked rice imported by Costa Rica be fortified with vitamins in its country of origin.

Costa Rica: $104 million in Rice Subsidies in 2011

May 2012

In the last 5 years the pricing system in force has transferred more than $390 million from the pockets of consumers to rice producers.

A statement of the Ministry of Commerce reads:

Rice sector subsidies in excess of $100 million for the second year

San Jose, May 8th, 2012.

Costa Rica Activate Barriers to Rice Imports

October 2011

In what seems to be a reaction caused by the rice lobby, the government is now requiring imported rice to be fortified in its country of origin.

11,400 quintals of grain loaded into 21 containers have been detained in the port of Limon, because they violate a rule which states that unhusked rice must have vitamins added to it in its country of origin.

Costa Rica: Government Reaches Purchase Agreement with Rice Producers

November 2011

The signing of the agreement between the government, representatives of the rice sector and growers puts an end to the conflict caused by administrative price-fixing.

The new agreement guarantees that 100% of the 2011 harvest (53,000 hectares) will be purchased from rice growers by the industrial sector.