Since October 1, in Guatemala, the Technical Regulation of Biosafety of Living Modified Organisms has been in force, which will allow the importation, commercialization and sowing of modified seeds known as transgenic, for human and animal consumption.
Until now, Guatemala could only import food that was the product of crops with modified seeds. With the entry into force of the regulation, the entry of transgenic seeds for marketing and planting purposes will be authorized.
In 2016, regional maize imports totaled $763 million, 26% of which was imported by six companies in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama.
Figures from the information system on the the Corn Market in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the chart"]
The agricultural chambers in the region are preparing law proposals to be presented in the Central American countries to remove the restrictions on growing GM foods.
Representatives from FECAGRO said the use of agricultural biotechnology allows for improved technology that enables high productivity seeds, reduces agrochemical use, creates more drought-resistant crops that can also be irrigated with salt water and are completely safe for human consumption.
In the US an increasing number of farmers are replanting with non-GM seeds, while grains prices fall and there is a growing preference for organic products.
At the end of 2014 consumption of non-GM foods such as cereals, salad dressings, eggs and other products increased by 15%, with sales reaching $9.6 billion. By analyzing consumer trends, the US agricultural sector expects this year increases of up to 45% in sales of non-genetically modified maize seeds and 8% in un genetically modified soy.
The identification of the complete sequence of the 22 chromosomes of Arabica coffee can be used as a basis for improving other coffee varieties and their adaptation to climate change.
From a statement issued by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB):
ARMENIA, Colombia - Today the complete sequence of the 22 chromosomes of coffee has been announced which aims to accelerate the process of selecting plants that respond to local climatic conditions and the specific needs of coffee farmers. The information available for public access, was announced to delegates from various coffee producing countries within the framework of the second regional workshop on climate change and coffee growing in the Conference of the Association for Science and Information on Coffee.
Central America's direct competitor in the market is using the TLC it has with the northern country to increase sales of agricultural products, textiles and other manufactured goods.
The reduction in sales of Colombian oil to the United States is forcing the South American country to diversify its exports to the North American market, where positioning has been improved mainly of agricultural products such as fruits and seeds and manufactured goods such as textiles and apparel.
The company will stop charging for the use of first generation GM soybeans in Brazil during 2012 and 2013.
The multinational has reached an agreement with Brazilian farmers to stop charging royalties for the use of genetically modified seeds, for which it owns the patent.
"The agreement is limited to crops in 2012 and 2013 of the Roundoup Ready first generation soybean, which is resistant to the herbicide Roundoup, the most commonly used in the market, also manufactured by Monsanto." reported PrensaLibre.com
The use of genetically modified (GM) seeds has led to increased yields.
Martin Zuniga, director for CropLife Central America noted that Honduras is the only country in the region which has these commercial plantations. In the case of Costa Rica it produces products for export only, not for the domestic market.
Siglo21.com.gt reported statements by the executive: "The technology is being adopted relatively quickly, because this way makes farming more efficient, you get higher productivity, lower costs and it frees you up to devote time to other crops."
Spain's contribution seeks to strengthen state policies for basic grain production in Central America.
This project will benefit Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Belice, Costa Rica and Panama.
"According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the main objective of this project is to 'avoid shortages of certified seeds for basic grains", reported Prensalibre.com.
The initiative will provide aid to small farmers in Panama, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
The investment of $12 million will be used to produce 32,000 metric tonnes of seed valued at $52.7 million, according to the Panama America daily.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reported that it will support the increase in agricultural production by poor families in more than 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, by providing better access to basic goods.