Efectos Jurídicos del TLC con Estados Unidos en la Seguridad Alimentaria Partiendo del Sector Arrocero Colombiano

Abstract

This study analyzes the legal effects of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Colombia and the United States in relation to the food security of the rice sector, in accordance with Article 65 of the Political Constitution of Colombia. The applicable regulations and state intervention in the protection of agricultural production are examined, evaluating whether the FTA undermines this right in the context of rice production. The study provides an analysis of the rice sector, covering its history, value chain, financial tools, implemented policies, involved actors, and relevant regulations. Through a comparison with the approaches adopted by the United States and China in the management of the rice sector, lessons are identified that could strengthen food security in Colombia. Additionally, commercial defense measures of the FTA, such as safeguards and subsidy prohibitions, are analyzed, aimed at protecting national producers from increased imports. This study adopts a qualitative approach with an exploratory-descriptive design, focused on analyzing the legal and constitutional effects derived from the FTA. The research concludes that the FTA is constitutionally compatible with Article 65, as it incorporates protection mechanisms for farmers during the implementation of tariff relief, ensuring the sustainability of the rice sector and the country’s food security