Panama's (potential?) Agricultural Business Sector

[Moderator_02]

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Panama's (potential?) Agriculture

Of the 2 million hectares of land estimated to be available for agricultural crops, only 40,000 are dedicated to fruit production.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Because of its climate and quality of soil, Panama has great potential for growing tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya, pineapple, avocado, coconut and citrus. However, the country's agricultural capacity is not being fully exploited. A report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said that in order to take better advantage of these conditions, "... integration of fruit chains needs to be improved in order to take advantage of the agro - ecological, logistical advantages and the geographical position Panama has. "

See also "Central America: Frozen Fruit Exports Up 60%"

An article in Prensa.com reports that "... according to the study "Diagnosis of the fruit sub-sector of Panama", by the FAO, one of the reasons why the country is not taking advantage of its potential, is ... lack of organization of producers through agricultural associations, which constitutes one of the constraints for the sustainable growth of the fruit sector in Panama."

See: "Panamanian Watermelon in Holland"

"... The enormous potential that the country has for the development of fruit growing should focus on the agro-industry, said Gerardo Escudero, representative in Panama of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).  'Panama, because it is entering the fruit system last, must consider an agribusiness strategy for fruits ...  More than increasing production, we should focus on adding value to the fruit that makes a difference locally and internationally."

 

https://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/main/Panamas_potential_Agriculture

[Moderator_02]

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Interview: Chinese investments could boost Panama's agricultural sector

Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-11 07:48:08|Editor: Yurou

By Luis Alberto Sierra G.

PANAMA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama in June 2017 could be a big boost for the Central American country's agricultural sector, a senior Panamanian official has said.

Agriculture is a crucial part of the Panamanian economy, employing 17 percent of the workforce but facing major challenges.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Panama's deputy minister of agricultural development Esteban Giron said that collaboration with China offered new forms of cooperation and transfers of technology which would boost production.

For Giron, China's vast experience and technological development have made it a key ally for Panama to strengthen its rural economy, since over 70 percent of its economy comes from services.

"Relations with China are very important, mainly because we are establishing technical cooperation consisting in the training of our technical personnel on biosecurity and agricultural best practices, including a network of laboratories," he indicated.

The setting up of laboratories dedicated to animal and crop health are key for Panama to not only guarantee international quality standards for biosecurity, but also increase the application of modern technology, explained Giron.

These laboratories will be staffed by Panamanians but will be open to the exchanging of experiences with Chinese technicians, while most of the equipment will be provided by China.

While Giron said the exact amounts needed for this investment had not been set, they would be sufficient to truly bring a new technological dimension to Panama's agricultural sector.

"We need machinery which is adapted to the needs of every production niche. For large producers, if they can import machinery more cheaply from China, wonderful, but it must have the same quality as that currently being imported," he explained.

According to the deputy minister, the priority areas that could interest China in Panama have been defined in an agreement signed by President Juan Carlos Varela, since relations were established between both countries last year.

From now till October, Panama will present China with a number of projects that could draw investment, including in agriculture.

 

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-02/11/c_136965805.htm

[Uncle Doug]

The Chinese "invasion" of Panama continues.

[Marcelyn]

2 hours ago, Moderator_02 said:

Agriculture is a crucial part of the Panamanian economy, employing 17 percent of the workforce...

I’m surprised about the 17%. Maybe the Chinese will help with agriculture instead of the Panama train?

[Uncle Doug]

I hope it's not all just a ploy to sell crappy Chinese tractors to Panama.

[Moderator_02]

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Panama agricultural  products Europe bound

Posted on March 8, 2018 in Panama

Post Views: 96

PANAMA’S first container of watermelons heading to Holland from the province of Herrera was loaded on Thursday, March 8.

The container, destined for Rotterdam carried 1,200 boxes with the “Panama Exports” stamp and will be followed by another container for the city of Livorno,  Italy,  like the earlier shipment without intermediaries.

Juan Montaño, marketing director of the Watermelon Producers Association, founded in 2007, said

“We have waited more than 10 years to send our watermelon abroad. “Sending our product to European markets has been a real achievement for the 40 producers that make up the association,” he said.

He added  that the amount of labor generated by the activity, some 440  daily workers, is also commendable

The watermelon is being cultivated in some 220 hectares located in Soná and San Francisco, Veraguas, in Penonomé, Coclé, and in some Herrera communities.

Leyda Aparicio of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported that under the “Panama Exports” seal about seven companies have already exported squash, pineapple, fish,  and agroindustrial product such as craft beer.

 

http://www.newsroompanama.com/business/panama-4/panama-agricultural-products-europe-bound