Panama updates rice technical regulations with stakeholder input

Panama's Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) is spearheading an update to the nation's technical regulations for rice, emphasizing a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders in the rice supply chain. This revision is being managed by the National Technical Rice Committee, established in August 2025. The committee comprises representatives from rice producers, the milling industry, commercial sectors, business associations, specialized laboratories, and technical entities. Key participating organizations include the Federation of Rice and Grain Producers Associations of Panama and the National Association of Rice Millers. Since its inception, the committee has established governance rules centered on technical dialogue, scientific evidence analysis, and broad sector participation. MICI stated that the committee has held 13 technical meetings to review existing regulations, evaluate proposals, and reach agreements for the updated regulations. These proposals were then opened for public consultation, allowing citizens and interested organizations to submit feedback. MICI clarified that any changes to the proposed regulations must be discussed and approved by the National Technical Rice Committee. The ministry's role is to provide technical coordination, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain transparency and participation throughout the process, without making the final decisions. The overarching objectives of this regulatory update are to safeguard domestic rice production, guarantee the quality of the rice available to consumers, enhance the sector's competitiveness, and preserve consumer trust.

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The revision of the standards is the responsibility of the National Technical Rice Committee, created in August 2025 and made up of representatives from producers, the milling industry, the commercial sector, business associations, specialized laboratories, and technical entities.