A bill has been submitted to the Assembly to create a compulsory system of classification of carcasses and nomenclature of beef cuts.
The bill, which was presented by the Minister of Agricultural Development (Mida), seeks to create beef cuts, in addition to protecting and guaranteeing information on beef cuts purchased by consumers, the Assembly reported.
The farmers' association reports that the annual per capita consumption of boneless beef has fallen from 13.6 kilos to 13.3 kilos.
The National Association of Cattle Ranchers (Anagan) states that the reduction, although slight, is due to a fall in local production and an increase in imports, which may have generated an imbalance in the local market.
Figures from the sector's union show that in the first quarter of 2018 the country bought 1,645 tons of meat from abroad, 10% more than was registered in the same period in 2017.
The National Association of Cattle Ranchers (Anagan) reported that between the first quarters of 2017 and 2018, meat imports in Panama increased by 150 tons, rising from 1,495 tons to 1,645 tons.
Price controls placed on some cuts of meat have altered the prices of other cuts not included in the measure, distorting the entire supply chain, from producer to consumer.
The intention to control the prices of some food products does not seem to show results in the meat sector, as final prices and production costs have been altered for several reasons, including the decision by producers to reduce their shipments of regulated cuts to supermarkets and increase exports to other markets, so as to not reduce their profits.
Climatic factors and issues related to pastures have forced ranchers to import in the first half of the year 1,753 head of cattle, which is 309% more than was imported in the same period in 2013.
Climatic factors and issues related to pastures have forced ranchers to import in the first half of the year 1,753 head of cattle, which is 309% more than was imported in the same period in 2013.
The Panamanian Health Authority has issued 13 health certificates to meat processing plants in the three countries interested in exporting to the country.
The plants received that certification and which are in compliance with the phytosanitary requirements for exporting cattle and sheep meat to Panama can also send milk products from both species.
The plants to be certified include beef processors and any other agro-industrial plant which intends to export to the Asian country.
According to Jose Pacheco, vice minister of Foreign Trade, this initiative comes on top of efforts being conducted by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) to achieve the parity in the health form documentation with Russia and inspection of local plants by the South Korean authorities, in order to facilitate access of Panamanian beef to these markets.
This year Panama will stop the export of 1580 tons of beef to the European Union for failing to meet the requirement of implementing livestock traceability.
One requirement for Panama to export meat through the Treaty of the European Union with Central America, is for the country to have a traceability system, however, the project is being held up in Congress.