Rice Producers from Eastern Panama and Darién warn that due to the lack of compensation payments, it prevents the purchase of inputs, rental of land and preparation of necessary equipment, which puts the next harvest in danger.  Likewise, they denounce that without the planting of rice, national food security will be endangered in the next period, increasing the possibility of shortages in the country.  The producers affirm that the lack of local production will lead to an increase in rice imports, affecting the economy of the producers and the self-sufficiency of the country. 

To date, farmers have not received the payments that correspond to them for their work in 2023, and this situation has led the community of producers to denounce the lack of attention on the part of the authorities, since without these funds they cannot start planting rice, vital for the country's supply.  The producers decided to hold a peaceful protest this week at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) in Panama City, to demand what is due to them.  "Without these compensations, we will not be able to plant and the country will face a shortage of rice.  We need an immediate response from the government to be able to continue our work and ensure food for our families and the entire nation," said one of the affected producers.