The issue first appeared in the south of the country where a record harvest of 43,000 metric tons was recorded, 22% higher than average.

Óscar Campos, president of the Costa Rican association of rice producers (Conarroz), commented that this is causing queues of trucks in the region’s processing industries.

Campos added that the problem could worsen in August as rice harvesting in the north of Costa Rica begins.

Source: Nacion.com

More on this topic

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.

50% of Honduran Rice Crop At Risk

October 2011

Warnings are being issued that if the heavy rains persist, 50% of the harvest could be damaged and lost.

Benjamin Toledo, president of the Rice Millers Association said that the current crop is expected to be about 500,000 quintals. There are delays in harvesting the current crop due to the heavy rainfall that has prevented harvesters from getting to the crop.

Excess Rice Production Concerns Government

June 2011

The Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture, along with producers, is looking for a quick solution to excessive rice production.

The solution to the problem is closely linked to actions that depend on the approval of tenders or finding more money, remarked Tannia Lopez, the Vice Minster of Agriculture.

Costa Rica Forced to Import Rice

September 2009

Lack of rain has caused the loss of 400 hectares in the north of the country.

Foreseeing these problems, the National Rice Corporation (CONARROZ) had already negotiated the purchase of 45.000 tons from the United States, with an additional 10.000 tons to be brought in next February.