Haitian labor in rice production
Marcelo Reyes, president of the Dominican National Federation of Rice Producers, highlighted the essential role of Haitian labor in the Dominican rice sector, calling for policies that recognize this reliance. He argued for exemptions from the country’s 80-20 labor law, which limits foreign labor to 20%, noting that Haitians are critical for less technical roles, while Dominicans handle more specialized tasks. Reyes also urged government protection for rice producers against tariff reductions on imports under DR-CAFTA, set to begin in January 2025.
The president of the Dominican National Federation of Rice Producers (Fenarroz), Marcelo Reyes, said yesterday that Haitian labor is needed in this agricultural subsector.
Reyes said that the double standard must be left in the country with Haitians because it needs labor from the neighboring country.
He pointed out that the double standard must be left in the country with Haitians since the Dominican Republic needs Haitian labor throughout the national geography.
He said that effective mechanisms must be established to ensure that food is produced in the countryside with Haitian labor.
He considered that the Labor Code, which establishes 80-20 in employment in the country, is not applicable in the agricultural sector, so adjustments should be sought.
The 80-20 means that 80% of a company’s workers must be Dominican and 20% foreign, but in the rice subsector, that is not possible.
He stressed that the Haitian labor force in rice production is “swallowed,” so it moves from one farm to another.
He said that about one hundred thousand Haitians may be needed per year in the rice sector.
He recalled that Dominicans carry out the most technical works, such as fertilization, tractor handling, leveling, and walling.
On the other hand, the president of Fenarroz said that he is confident that the government will protect cereal producers from tariff reductions in the product, starting in January 2025, by the DR-CAFTA.
Source Link : https://dominicantoday.com/dr/economy/2024/11/03/haitian-labor-in-rice-production/
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