I knew that someone would eventually get smart and start a huge greenhouse operation and produce bell peppers and other veggies for the US market. Well that has now happened and I wish the investors well in their endeavors.
The company Veggie Fresh will plant peppers for export to the U.S. in the province of Chiriqui, Panama, from October.
The Veggie Fresh agricultural export company will invest $13 million in the hydroponic production of peppers for export to the United States, using an inorganic substrate called perlite.
The growing area is in the community of Potrerillos, district of Dolega, Chiriqui.
“The project will have a fully computerized system, since it will use automated systems for spray irrigation, fertilization, water management, crop management, and it will have an electric train system, which will guarantee the necessary safety process for exporting,” reported Laestrella.com.pa.
Guillermo Villarreal, from the agro-export company Veggie Fresh, said the peppers are destined for the U.S. market, and they expect to start with planting in June, followed by transplantation and in export in October .
Source: laestrella.com.pa
Great for the company men but they are paying double the wages of the Panama workers and have left many farmers without employees in Potrerillios.
The bulk of the personnel will be laid off as different projects are accomplished. Rumor has it that they are employing many workers but what will the truth be a year from now? As the article states, most of the project will be automated. In the end, I foresee many displaced workers and of course the rich will be the ones to profit. Does anyone give a darn about the disappearing middle class Panamanian?
Way to go. Every town and city should grow what they eat. Why ship food hundreds of miles, some times all the way across the country.