The Institute for Biological and Industrial Innovations (IIBI) proposed substituting 20% of the wheat flour used in making bread with flour from other sources, such as the prickly pear or other succulents. According to Bernarda Castillo, the director of IIBI, this is a tried and tested process, and would help reduce the cost of producing bread for the national market. Wheat prices have risen by RD$400 a bag over the last few weeks.