Data from the Superintendency of Banks in Panama (SBP) indicates that the upward trend has continued since the beginning of the year.

For example the Agricultural Development Bank granted in September a total of $19.8 million in new loans to the livestock sector, compared to $15.7 million in 2010.

"However, producers are not happy about the growth of lending to the sector, especially with regards to state banks", reports Panamaamerica.com.pa.

Source: Panamaamerica.com.pa

More on this topic

Panama: Preferential Interest Rates for Agriculture In Effect

May 2015

The agricultural and agribusiness sectors can now access bank loans with discounted interest rates.

The discount on interest rates to be applied to companies in the sector is part of the Law 15 on incentives for agriculture, which was approved and published in the Official newspaper La Gaceta on April 23, 2015.

Panama: Preferential Interest Rates for Agriculture

March 2015

A bill intends to extend the system of preferential interest rates on bank loans for productive activities in the agricultural sector.

From a statement issued by the Assembly of Panama:

The Agricultural Affairs Committee has been exchanging views with officials in the primary and banking sectors on a bill that establishes discounts in the interest rate of loans to local producers in the order of $500,000.

Panama: Loans at 2% for Agriculture

April 2013

The National Bank of Panama has halved interest rates for agricultural loans transferred from other banks.

From a press release issued by the National Bank of Panama (Banconal):

Producers wishing to transfer their loans to the National Bank of Panama used to have pay interest rates of 4% per annum on the unpaid balance. Now they can enjoy the benefit of a 2% discount, which will encourage domestic production.

New Loans for Panamanian Agriculture

November 2009

The Agricultural Development Bank (BDA) will open 4 new loan portfolios in January 2010.

BDA will loan from $10.000 to $20.000, with a 2% interest rate, for buying seeds, irrigation equipment, turbines and building small dams.

Rigoberto Amaya, BDA manager, explained that "in light of adverse weather conditions, we have looked for a way to help small and medium farmers, specially for those who lack economic resources to face these situations", reported Prensa.com.