The government and the major rice wholesalers have agreed to create a strategic reserve, so to that end they agreed to import 600,000 quintals (hundredweight) of this staple food. The measure was agreed during a meeting of the National Rice Commission which represents growers, mill owners and wholesalers of the main dish on every Dominican table. In large part, the decision was made as a result of the flooding of important areas of rice cultivation during the recent spell of prolonged rains. The rains either flooded the fields or made the use of machinery too difficult, and the winter planting has been delayed. Therefore, the government will import 50% of the strategic reserve and the mill owners, wholesalers and supermarkets will import the other 50%. The president of the National Federation of Food Retailers, Fermin Troncoso, told reporters that his organization supports the measure since local demand appears to be outstripping local supplies. However, reports from the Ministry of Agriculture confirm the existence of sufficient rice in silos and warehouses to last until the late spring harvest arrives. The reserve was created as an emergency measure, and the National Commission voted unanimously to approve it.