More investment and marketing improvements will allow an increase in production of 20 million cases, which promises $200 million in exports in 2013.
The director of the National Agricultural Health Service of Honduras (SENASA), Heriberto Amador, said, "We have signed bilateral and multilateral agreements... we believe that according to the expectations of the head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG), James Regalado, with some projects such as EMPRENDESUR and PRESACCESO among others, between 2013 and 2015 1,500 million lempiras ($75.3 million) will be invested across different departments. "
In the last three years the palm oil industry has seen a sustainable increase, going from $140 million in 2010 to $251 million in 2011.
Data from the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH), also shows that in the first half of 2012 total exports were $110.6 million, and estimates are that the year will end with figures of between $260 and $270 million.
Palm oil has made the list of the top 10 Honduran export products, according to information from the Central Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG).
With the opening up of new markets such as Mexico and Boliva, exports have increased by 30%, generating revenues close to $31 million.
So stated the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG), Juan Carlos Ordoñez.
"He said that the benefit brought by the opening up of new markets, has helped create jobs in rural areas, where there is the greatest concentration of livestock nationwide.
In order to address the shortage of the grain the government has allowed the import of 18,000 tons duty free.
In coordination with producers and millers, importation will be permitted until 31 December, said Jacobo Regalado, Secretary of Agriculture.
"Regalado urges that the importation process be completed quickly. 'We want the industry to move with their usual agility to ensure that the rice enters the country soon", he said.
The Department of Agriculture projected $ 8.5 million in beef revenues from imports in 2011.
The Deputy Minister of Livestock told La Tribuna, "We envision a good season; we call the livestock sector to prepare for the opening of new markets which demand quality and quantity."
Currently, 80% of foreign shipments are to the U.S. market and the rest is exported to Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Bolivia.
In the 2008/09 harvest, 229.8 million kilograms were exported, 18.5% more than the previous season.
According to data from the Agriculture and Livestock Secretary, known as SAG, these exports meant $40.4 million in income.
"The 18.5% increase in exported volume meant larger income in dollars, helped by a slight price increase, despite the U.S. economic crisis", said a SAG spokesperson in a La Prensa article.
After being certified by Venezuelan authorities, the business Lacthosa will carry out their first shipment of some 334 tons of powdered milk.
The minister of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG), Héctor Hernández Amador, added according to LaPrensahn.com: "This is the´result of the negotiations that were conducted with businesspersons from that country last year, when 18 members of various countries that make up Petroalimentos, with various businesspersons who managed to complete rounds of negotiations because Honduras has the opportunity to export to Venezuela in various areas."
Honduran authorities hope to earn $80 million from the export of tilapia fillet to the European market, specifically to Spain. Exports should begin in June.
The La Tribuna published on its website that "the first shipment will be send by air to a Spanish shrimp company. Previously tilapia exports were sent only to the American market for many years, despite the fact that Honduras has the best technology in Central America, exceeding Costa Rica and Ecuador."
In the next few days the first delivery of ten containers of quality melons will be made.
La Prensa.hn reports on its website: "Despite the global crisis, Honduran authorities believe that melon exports will be affected. The announce of the start of melon exports, for the first time to Canada, gives hope to national producers. According to Hector Hernandez, minister of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock, SAG, these began some 10 days ago."