The Ag sector has been hard hit i Panama in recent years and this year appears to be just as bad.  When I see Filet Mignon for $5.00 a pound I know the industry is suffering.  A few month ago it was $7.50.

For 2018-2019, the government decided to approve the payment of $3 for each quintal harvested by corn producers, associations and cooperatives.

Some of the fundamental requirements to be met by producers who apply for the benefit are: to have a supplier code, to use the weights authorized by the National Direction of Agriculture (DNA), to present a summary table of the sale of corn, original invoices, photostatic ballots and shipping guide, to fill out the certificate of certification of the corn sold, peace and safety of the DGI, copy of the DGI and note with which the file is presented to DNA, informed the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA).

You may be interested in “Corn: $380 Million in Imports”

The Panamanian government’s measure became official after Resolution N°OAL-026-ADM 2019 was published in Gaceta Oficial. Laestrella.com.pa reviews that “… The document, signed by the minister of the agricultural portfolio, Eduardo Enrique Carles, explains that the price of a quintal of corn for sale in the market was set at $14.50 last January, during a meeting – on days 4, 14 and 18 – held by members of the Committee of the Corn Agrifood Chain with grain producers.”

Regarding corn imports, a report from CentralAmericaData states that from January to June 2018 the main buyer according to the imported value of corn in Central America remained Guatemala with $111 million, followed by Costa Rica with $85 million, Honduras with $60 million, El Salvador with $57 million, Panama with $48 million and Nicaragua with $20 million.

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