Costs will increase for exporters because of attempts to prevent their containers of fruits, tubers and ornamental plants exported to Europe from being used to transport drugs.
In Europe seizures of drugs hidden in Costa Rican agricultural exports have concerned the agro-export sector, which is demanding greater security controls and processes in shipping goods overseas, both for the measures carried out in the country as well as those carried out once borders have been crossed, explained industry representatives.
Foreign sales have been negatively affected by a loss of competitiveness with other exporting countries.
In 2013 flower exports fell by 5.4% compared to 2012, due to a loss of competitiveness against other exporters and climatic effects in some growing areas.
A Dutch study presents the expectations of importers of flowers and foliage in terms of sustainability, certification, required standards and other practices.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands has conducted a study detailing the expectations of consumers and importers of flowers and foliage in European countries, consumer preferences, procedures and techniques used in the production and transfer of flowers, labeling, relevance of certification of products, and definition of sustainability, among other things.
Increased production costs and increased international competition have forced 71% of producers to turn to other crops.
The reasons for this, explained Monica Segnini, president of the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco ) are first "the exchange rate and the appreciation of the colon over the last three years, added to which is the increase in production costs".
Plans are underway in Chicago, USA to open a cargo center for perishable goods which includes flowers, one of the foremost products in the perishable goods category.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Market development of floriculture in the U.S. has shifted mainly towards determining the capacity of distribution centers.
Foreign sales of flowers, foliage and ornamental plants increased by 8% in 2012, totaling $81 million, which is $8 million more than last year.
The sector projected for this year an increase of 6.2% in exports. "Businessmen and producers see that it is necessary to promote growth of the sector and view the crisis in European countries as an opportunity", said Brigitte Obrock, coordinator of the commission of Ornamental Foliage and flowers at Agexport.
In Guatemala shipments abroad rose 9% in 2011, bringing revenues of $30.5 million, $3.4 million more than last year.
The Committee of Ornamental Plants, Foliage and Flowers of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) reported that up to December 2011 the sector's exports increased by 3% to Europe and the United States and 6% to Central America, and in total recorded 9% growth compared to 2010.
With a total of $84 million in exports, the year 2011 closed with an increase of 7.69% compared to 2010.
This year projections by the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) is that there will be growth of 7.2%, due to stronger marketing strategies and action taken to gain certificates in good farming practices.
The product will no longer have to be kept in quarantine when entering the country.
United States Phytosanitary authorities have decided to modify the entry conditions for chrysanthemums from Costa Rica.
The modification is the result of efforts by the industry to eliminate the spread of pests found in chrysanthemum cuttings, which was one of the main obstacles preventing entry the U.S. market.
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