Panama is getting smarter in targeting improvements that will make Ag – Business more profitable here in Panama. We are already looking into better quality Mango and Avocado orchard and the proforma is impressive. Now the government is stepping up the incentives to include “… the purchase of equipment such as drones, agrometeorology systems, pest monitoring, among others, also apply to the program.“
In Panama a proposal has been made to reimburse 75% of the investment in purchase of certified fruit tree seedlings, and 50% in investments in the installation of irrigation and drainage systems in farms.
The National Commission of Agricultural Transformation, integrated by representatives of diverse institutions related to the agricultural sector, approved including in the regulations Law 25, incentives for the production of ten fruits, mainly citrus fruits.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Agricultural Development, “… producers who are dedicated to the production of fruits, mainly citrus fruits, will have the opportunity to receive the aid framed in the Law on Agricultural Transformation. Pineapple, banana, papaya. Also citrus, mango, guanábana, guava and avocado were added.“
In addition to reimbursement of part of the investments in irrigation and seedlings made by producers, Prensa.com reports that “… the purchase of equipment such as drones, agrometeorology systems, pest monitoring, among others, also apply to the program.“
Be aware of those government assistance programs. The last assistance program was for a similar reimbursement for greenhouse buildings. It has been over three years and all the participants (millions of dollars just here in Chiriqui) are still waiting for their checks from the government. Wonder why you see large greenhouses empty. The farmers have not been reimbursed and do not have the funds for seeds, fertilizers, labor, social security etc until there is a crop to sell. There have been a couple of protests but no success. Varella has not yet signed the checks.