Panama has finally reached the point where it understands the importance of organic products here.

Through a new unit at the MIDA, the government will provide certification, according to international standards, for farms in the country growing organic crops.

Besides the option provided by the new Control Authority of Certification of Organic Agricultural Production, which began operating in January, farmers can also choose to opt for certifications that are provided by private companies already operating in the country.

Prensa.com reports that “…Although no certification has been issued to date, 19 applications have already been made. The country reported that 271 thousand producers are devoted to cultivating 6,396 organic hectares, according to statistics from the National Plant Health Directorate at the MIDA.”

“… Obtaining a certificate issued by a private entity usually costs approximately 1,200 dollars. The one granted by the new state entity will cost around $250, depending on the analysis done in each case, said Fermin Romero, director of the Control Authority of Organic Certification at the MIDA.”