In the last two years, non-performing loans to the agricultural sector increased from 2.4% to 5.9% between April 2017 and the same month in 2019.
Figures from the General Superintendence of Financial Entities (Sugef) indicate that the increase reported in the arrears of agricultural loans includes operations with delays of more than 90 days, as well as operations that are in judicial collection.
During 2018, Nicaraguan exports of this fruit totaled just $3.3 million, 26% less than in 2017, and the price fell 50% last year.
Figures from the Production and Trade Plan 2019-2020 detail that in 2018 the country sold abroad 126,400 quintals of mango, 13% less than what was exported in 2017.
The price of boxes of 4 kilograms of mango also reported a decrease for last year, falling from between $6.5 and $8 that is recorded in a normal year, to $3 and $3.5 that was reported in 2018.
The Nicaraguan government projects for the 2019-2020 agricultural cycle the planting of 1.5 million hectares of land, 3% more than in the previous period, a very unbelievable forecast for businessmen.
The 2019-2020 Production, Consumption and Commerce Plan, which was prepared by the government without the support of the private sector, explains that it is projected to plant 1.5 million hectares and harvest 1.4 million hectares, which would represent a 3.1% increase compared to the previous cycle.
The decline in exports of the agricultural sector reported in the first quarter, coupled with the lack of rainfall, has caused that the beginning of the year has not been the best for businessmen in Costa Rica.
Figures from the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promoter report that between the first quarter of 2018 and the same period in 2019, exports from the agricultural sector were down by $107 million.
The unsatisfied demand for vegetables in the Salvadoran market opens opportunities for businessmen in the region to place their products in the coming years.
A diagnosis by the Foundation for Investment and Development of Exports of Honduras (Fide), estimates that by 2021 in El Salvador the unsatisfied demand for white onion, carrot and potato, together will total about 30 million tons.
Guatemalan Foragro, manufacturer of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides, opened a branch in Panama and aims in the short term to position 50 products in the local market.
The company reported that for the opening of its branch in the Panamanian market invested $300,000 and that this would have a presence in all Central American countries, as they already operate in El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Developing strategic crops to ensure food security and bringing together agricultural agents to focus on foreign market niches is part of the challenge for the coming years.
One of the great challenges faced by businessmen in Panama is to take advantage of the country's logistical opportunities to position the Panamanian economy as an agro-exporter and also as a re-exporter of food.
For 2018-2019, the government decided to approve the payment of $3 for each quintal harvested by corn producers, associations and cooperatives.
Some of the fundamental requirements to be met by producers who apply for the benefit are: to have a supplier code, to use the weights authorized by the National Direction of Agriculture (DNA), to present a summary table of the sale of corn, original invoices, photostatic ballots and shipping guide, to fill out the certificate of certification of the corn sold, peace and safety of the DGI, copy of the DGI and note with which the file is presented to DNA, informed the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA).
In Guatemala, onion crops were attacked by a virus transmitted by the pest Trip Tabaci, and it is estimated that between 50% and 70% of the crops that supply the local market have been lost.
Representatives of the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Guatemala (Fasagua) said that the problem was registered in production areas of the departments of Santa Rosa, Jalapa and Jutiapa, which supply the country in the season from December to May.
Between February 2016 and March 2017, the average price of palm oil exports from Central America increased from $0.54 to $0.74 per kilo, however, in September 2018 the kilo of the product was resold at $0.54.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
After Canada approved the use of a chlorothalonil pesticide molecule, Guatemala was authorized to export Chinese peas and sweet peas to the U.S. country.
Representatives of the Guatemalan Exporters Association (Agexport) reported that it is estimated that Guatemala will sell between 5 and 10 million of peas to Canada each year.
Estuardo Castro, president of the platform Agritrade (Agexport), explained to Dca.gob.gt that "...
Because of the decline in the international price of sugar in recent years, agricultural businessmen in Guatemala have decided to migrate to more profitable crops, such as bananas and African palm.
Last year, Guatemalan banana exports totaled $815 million, 4% more than the $782 million reported in 2017, a rise that is partly caused by the increase in the cultivated area in the country.
After concluding an audit that began in 2016, European Union authorities notified Costa Rica that it will be able to continue exporting its organic vegetables to European countries.
The Costa Rican government reported that the European Union (EU) notified the State Phytosanitary Service (SPS) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock that the audit initiated in 2016 was completed with the aim of evaluating the actions of the Unit of Accreditation and Registration of Organic Agriculture (ARAO) of the SPS, resulting in continued recognition under the category of Third Country for Costa Rica.
In recent years, Dominican avocado exports have tripled, mainly because of sales to the U.S. and Puerto Rican markets.
Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture detail that avocado exports from the Dominican Republic between 2015 and 2017 have increased from $13 million to $36 million, and in the case of sales to the U.S. and Puerto Rico have increased from $8 million to $29 million and from one million dollars to $5 million, respectively, for the years concerned.
During 2018, pineapple exports surpassed banana exports totaling $990 million and $981 million, a situation that is recorded for the first time in the country in recent years.
Figures from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (Procomer) detail the fruit exports reported different behaviors, because between 2017 and 2018 foreign sales of pineapple increased 5% and banana sales decreased 9%.