The insect of the plague was detected in Florida, U.S.A. and has already arrived in Belize. The threat of the plague, which could affect more than 1,000 Panamanian producers, caused the Department of Farm Development (MIDA) to declare a phytosanitary emergency. The director of vegetable health at MIDA, Ariel Espino, told Laestrella.com.pa that "they have closed the borders to incoming plants processed from the U.S., mainly from Florida, in addition to those from Brazil and the Caribbean islands where the insect has also wreaked havoc."

Additionally, the president of the Panamanian Association of Exporters (APEX), Máximo Gallardo, indicated that "the necessary measures should be taken since it would very difficult for local producers to confront a plague of this magnitude."

Source: laestrella.com.pa

More on this topic

Panama: Health System Modernization

October 2018

Adapt the country's sanitary norms to international standards and unify food import and export systems is part of the plan proposed by the Varela administration.

In order to take advantage of commercial agreements and increase exports to the European and North American markets, the government is working to consolidate its health systems.

Panama: Agricultural Export Sector Requires $21 Million

July 2009

This is the investment required to increase exports of melon and watermelon, said Edwin Pérez, president of the Union of Agricultural Exporters.

April recorded drops of 68.8% in melon exports and of 53.4% for watermelon, when compared to the same period of 2008, according to figures from the General Comptroller of the Republic.

Panamanian exporters lower growth forecast

October 2008

The Panamanian Exporter Association (Apex)has reduced its forecast for export growth to 15%

At the start of the year, Apex forecast an increase of 25% in exports for the next four years, which "would make the current value of the export of goods of around 1 billion dollars to $2 billion," said the president of the group, Maximo Gallardo.

Panama Explores FTA with Cuba

October 2008

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has announced that it intends to initiate the negotiating process before the end of this year.

Cuba holds position 27 of the main destinations for Panamanian Exports, with at least 3 million dollars, according to the figures from the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic.