Dominican Republic plans seasonal garlic import ban to back local farmers

Senator Rogelio Genao has suggested that the Dominican government temporarily stop garlic imports for three months each year. He believes that this pause — specifically during August, September, and October — would help local garlic farmers sell their crops more easily.

Genao pointed out that the country produces only about 20% of the garlic it consumes, and most of that production happens in Constanza around July. Because of this, he said, achieving full self-sufficiency is unlikely, but local farmers still need support to compete.

In a separate announcement, Genao welcomed the government's move to buy 21,000 quintals of potatoes per week for the national school breakfast program. This, he said, is helping stabilize the potato sector and giving farmers guaranteed income.

He explained that by adding potatoes to school meals twice a week, 10,500 quintals are used each day — adding up to 21,000 quintals weekly. According to him, this policy, led by President Luis Abinader through the Agriculture Ministry and INABIE, is a strong example of how public programs can boost local farming.

source: noticiassin.com

photo: dominicancooking.com