The representatives of the rice production sector highlighted that the prices received for rice are among the main challenges they face, affecting both farmers and small to medium-sized industries. This was discussed during the second Territorial Table "Hands for the Field," which brought together authorities and stakeholders from the rice industry. The Consultative Council of Rice has set the price at $34 for a sack of 205 pounds (92.99 kg) of paddy rice with 20% moisture and 5% impurities, and $36 for a similar package, indicating the economic pressures within the production chain.

The Territorial Tables have been initiated to create a dialogue space starting in early February in the Ríos province, with the second meeting held in Daule, Guayas province, on February 11th. Diana Roldán, president of the Rice Cluster, emphasized the ongoing challenges that arise from fluctuating prices, which jeopardize the sustainability of local farmers and the entire production chain. The discussions are critical as they address the need for collaborative solutions to ensure a balanced production equilibrium.

With these discussions happening at the local level, there is a pressing concern for policymakers to respond effectively to the needs expressed by the agricultural community. The discourse surrounding rice prices is not just about economic factors; it reflects the difficulties faced by rural communities and highlights the importance of agricultural support frameworks to stabilize local economies. The outcome of such dialogues could have wider implications for food security and economic resilience in Ecuador's rice-producing regions.