The Varela administration has applied a special agricultural safeguard to some porcine products imported from the United States, among which are hams, legs, shoulders and their pieces.
Arguing that up until July 16 of the current year, 3,506 metric tons of pork have entered the country, a volume that exceeds the 2,697 metric tons agreed for this year in the Trade Promotion Treaty, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (Mici) resolved to increase the tariff on fifteen products imported from the USA.
A rise is anticipated in the international price of pork in the third quarter of 2016 because of continued strong demand from the Asian country.
From a report on Agromeat.com:
Continued strong demand for pork from China and maintenance of supply will be the main factors in the third quarter of 2016, according to a report by Rabobank concerning the third quarter of 2016.In the view of Albert Vernooij, animal protein analyst at Rabobank, "this will lead to an increase in pork prices on the Rabobank index, improving margins for farmers".
The Ministry of Agricultural Development has finally presented the expected bill that will make the implementation of livestock systems and agricultural traceability mandatory.
From a statement issued by the National Assembly of Panama:
Agricultural Development Minister, Jorge Arango Arias, presented on Monday, two bills before the plenary of the National Assembly.
Between January and October the numbers of cattle slaughtered remained almost unchanged compared to the same period in 2014, while pork production recorded an increase of 5%.
The effects of climate influenced the results of beef production, mainly during the first half of the year. Representatives of the union of producers anticipate that next year they will be "...
Government authorities and producers are considering to establish a laboratory in the Panamanian province of Chiriqui to analyze the quality of milk produced in the area.
The proposal is being developed jointly by the Cooperative of Milk Producers of Chiriqui and agriculture authorities. The goal of milk producers is acquire the technology needed to analyze and improve production processes necessary to raise the final quality of the product.
From July 16th to 26th the trade fair in Nicaragua will bring together companies in the livestock sector in the region.
During the event business appointments will be held and exhibitions given of refrigeration equipment, agricultural machinery, power generators, irrigation pumps and vehicles, among other activities related to livestock products.
Expica's manager Benjamin Bales, told Elnuevodiario.com.ni that they will be holding "...
The new rules provide for the regulation of the use of veterinary drugs, carrying out studies to check for residual waste and penalties on manufacturers laboratories.
The aim of the measures implemented is to adapt to the demands of the international market and improve conditions for increasing sales of beef and pork abroad.
"These measures are referenced to the international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Codex Alimentarius and the Food and Drug Administration at the US Department of Drugs (FDA), and applies not only to beef cattle, but also to dairy cows. "
On May 5th-6th breeders from different countries will meet in Costa Rica to discuss issues of reproduction, marketing and sustainability in the production of buffalo meat.
From a press release issued by the Costa Rican Association of Buffalo Breeders:
"At this time when the country continues to grow steadily in the development of the buffalo cattle, Costa Rica will be hosting the VII Buffalo Breeders Symposium of the Americas and Europe, which will bring together experts breeders from different countries around the world to cover four major themes during their meeting: Marketing and Sales, Legislation, Health and Reproduction and Entrepreneurship and sustainability.
From April 28th to May 3rd the 59th Annual Meeting of the Central American Cooperative Program for the Improvement of Crops and Animals will be held in Managua.
Representatives from the agricultural sector from more than 20 countries will gather together from April 28th to May 3rd in Managua, where the 59th Annual Meeting of the Central American Cooperative Program for the Improvement of Crops and Animals will be held.
Chicken meat imports in Costa Rica had a growth of 57% in 2012 over the previous year, while beef only grew 46%.
From the report:
In 2012 the country imported $48.3 million worth, an increase of 28% compared to the previous year.
Imports of frozen bovine meat recorded the highest increase in monetary terms, with imports in 2012 having increased by more than $4.4 million compared with the previous year, going from $9.6 million in 2011 to approximately $14 million in 2012.
Every year about 130 million liters of milk are imported in solid or concentrated form for industrialization.
Prensa.com reports: "These imports are the result of a market which is thirsty and unsatisfied with the 100% local raw material . But rather than being a weakness, some would argue that there is a clear opportunity for local producers. "
One aspect in favor of the local dairy industry is that around 330 million liters of milk consumed a year. "Beyond the technical aspects, challenges for the sector really revolve around organizational elements," said Alejandro Acosta, Livestock Development Officer of the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture (FAO) .
A bill, approved on its first reading by the Agricultural Affairs Committee, aims to ensure safe consumption, control theft and increase the value of livestock.
From a press release issued by the National Assembly of Panama:
The Agricultural Affairs Legislative Commission approved on its first reading Bill 342, which establishes a National Traceability Program, which also seeks to better prevent the theft of livestock.
Researchers at the University of Panama have managed to create a new breed of cattle for milk and meat production, which is adapted to tropical conditions.
Prensa.com reports: "From Germany embryos were imported of the Simmental dairy breed. Animals that were born from these embryos were crossed with the Brazilian Gyr dairy breed characterized by their tolerance to climatic conditions in the tropics. "
The adoption of the standard correlated with international standards for the meat trade continues to be delayed in the Legislative Assembly.
Meanwhile the industry and administrative authorities are preparing a visit to Uruguay, one of the world's leading exporters of beef, which is "the only country in the region that has made all of its livestock production traceable."
The country's agricultural sector is working on a plan to set up, in the province of Herrera, the first Panamanian Institute of dairy farming.
"In an area of 250 hectares inside the National Agricultural Institute (INA), the new center will operate and be run by the Central American Institute of Business Administration (INCAE by its initials in Spansih)", reported Prensa.com.