They argue that they must ensure there is enough cattle before building new slaughterhouses.
Representatives from the cattle industry responded to Albalinisa’s proposal of building two new slaughterhouses explaining that the focus must be first set on solving some of the issues which limit the sector’s productivity.
Specifically, they argue that even though they require additional slaughterhouses, they must first ensure there is enough cattle to supply them.
The Nicaraguan Chamber of Meat Trade is looking to expand beef exports in 3,000 additional tons.
The president of the National Cattlemen Nicaragua (Conago), René Blandon stated that if successful, beef exports to that country would reach 22 tons per year.
"Conago also hopes to improve the livestock value. Blandon said that 'the price they are paying in Venezuela, which is $ 1.30 per kilo, is better than other markets including Central America and Puerto Rico. That makes it attractive and stimulates the small farmer," stressed Blandon, according to La Prensa.
The sugar sector proposes changing the 20,000 tons quota from refined sugar to raw white sugar.
Nicaragua's sugar sector has enough production capacity to satisfy demand of the Taiwanese market but technical barriers prevent it from obtaining export certificates.
"Mario Amador, executive director of Nicaragua's Association of Sugar Producers (CNPA), said that the changes are related to the way sugar enters the Taiwanese market and negotiations have begun with the trade office of the Taiwan Embassy in Nicaragua," reports Laprensa.com.ni.
Central American businessmen agreed to adjudicate the meat quota assigned by the European Union to the country that first complies with the required food safety and traceability requirements.
The region had to decide how to distribute a quota of 9.500 yearly tons of meat that can be shipped to Europe without paying tariffs.
In the first six months of the year foreign sales of meat, dairy products and livestock from Nicaragua reached $234.5 million.
In the same period of 2009, sales totaled $182,614.
Ronald Blandón, CEO of Nicaraguan cattle farming association, CONAGAN, told Elnuevodiaro.com.ni that, “2010 looks like being a year of growth for our sector. The outlook for all livestock products is positive with growth of 8% forecast”.
The proposal to divide up the 9,500 ton EU allocation equally is rejected by Nicaragua.
Onel Pérez, president of CANICARNE (Nicaraguan association of beef producers), commented that 70% of meat exported from Central America comes from Nicaragua.
Pérez and Ronald Blandón, director of Nicaraguan cattle farming association, CONAGAN, will travel to Honduras to discuss the distribution of the quota with other Central American businessmen.
The country’s breeders signed an agreement with US-Aid to develop a program to improve the country’s dairy industry.
Called “Farmer to Farmer” (Agricultor a Agricultor), the program will be developed over the next four years.
“This program aims to connect professional U.S. farmers with Latin American ones, to identify weaknesses in the value chain, and develop projects to solve them”, reported Elnuevodiario.com.ni.
International corporation Parmalat sold 51% of its Nicaraguan subsidiary to Productos Lacteos Centroamericanos S.A.
The disposal took place for a consideration of USD 800,000. Furthermore, Parmalat Centroamerica S.A. signed a "license agreement" which will allow Parmalat Group to cash in a total amount of USD 400,000 in the first five years of contract.
The National Breeders Commission (Conagán), indicated they will not accept being taxed further.
René Blandón, president of the Commission, said that a tax increase will demotivate livestock breeders.
René Vallencillo, who was invited by the breeders to talk on the topic, "criticized the increase of retentions in the Agricultural Exchange, which would reach 5%", reported newspaper El Nuevo Diario.
Nicaraguan cattle ranchers have increased their meat and milk exports to Venezuela by up to 35% of their production.
By selling at a price slightly lower than usual, Nicaraguan cattle farmers have found the palliative in the Venezuelan market for the shrinkage of their traditional markets, especially the United States. However, it is unknown how stable this new market will be.
Sales of beef products fell in both volume and foreign currency earnings.
René Blandón, President of the National Livestock Commission, informed Elnuevodiario.com.ni: "According to published figures, the results of Nicaraguan meat sales to the world in 2008 totaled about $220 million, and a 25% reduction of that total is expected in 2009. However, cattle farmers do not seem to be so pessimistic because they assert that this situation that is affecting the country's ability to earn foreign currency could begin to normalize at the end of the year. "
The Cattle Commission of Nicaragua is demanding that its government petition Costa Rica and Honduras for compensation.
The livestock farmers of Nicaragua, represented by the National Commission of Cattle Raisers of Nicaragua, are exhorting their government to call for compensation regarding the obstacles to beef exportation.
According to the article in process, "According to the cattle raisers, Costa Rica and Honduras ´conduct analysis above the standard requirements for the purpose of hindering the free commerce of Nicaraguan beef.´"
The livestock sector projected that it will close 2008 with $280 million in exports.
Representatives from the National Livestock Commission of Nicaragua (Conagan) and from the Federation of Livestock Associations of Nicaragua (Faganic) had a meeting yesterday with the head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Magfor), Ariel Bucardo, to whom they expressed the "urgent need" for the Government to fulfill several demands presented by the farmers.