Prices for thirteen items from Dominican farms will be “practically” stable over the near run according to sources at markets and farms. Even though the December rains caused an estimated RD$75 million in losses, most farm products were not too badly affected. According to Victorio Valerio, the president of the rice producers, only three of the 14 provinces that produce rice were hurt by the rains and flooding. While the harvest might be delayed, it was not lost in these provinces. Locally, rice is being sold in stores and supermarkets at prices between RD$15 and RD$17 pesos per pound, only slightly above the price of a few months ago. Potatoes, yautia, green peppers, eggplant, beans and other farm products are stable. However, in the aisles of supermarkets, and at the corner shops the agony of housewives and other customers can be heard in the heavens. The cause: the price of plantains, the only food that can show up on Dominican tables three times a day without protest. Reporters fro El Caribe have found plantains at RD$12 each. RD$8 for small to medium sized plantains is considered to be normal at the smallest corner stores. Justino Crespo, a plantain producer, explained that the rains combined with the black Sigatoka fungus and the normal reduction of production during the winter months have reduced supply to very low levels.