Due to low domestic black bean production, the Government could authorize a temporary elimination of import tariffs on the product.
As Guatemalan officials forecast a drop of 38.000 quintals for this season's production, the Economy Ministry could authorize importing the grain tariff-free.
"The problems with the current harvest are caused by drought, explained Erasmo Velásquez, economy vice minister", reports Prensalibre.com.
Record output is expected for basic grains, as well as an increase in cattle products.
Ariel Bucardo Rocha is the Agricultural Ministry of Nicaragua, and he expects corn production to reach 6.900.000 quintals for the premium seeding period.
"Regarding premium bean production, the Ministry is expecting 1.3 million quintals, from 100.000 blocks. For rice, the institution is expecting 1.150.000 quintals, and sees possible, along the harvest, to increase output in over 500.000 additional quintals", reported newspaper "El Nuevo Diario".
In the 2008/09 harvest, 229.8 million kilograms were exported, 18.5% more than the previous season.
According to data from the Agriculture and Livestock Secretary, known as SAG, these exports meant $40.4 million in income.
"The 18.5% increase in exported volume meant larger income in dollars, helped by a slight price increase, despite the U.S. economic crisis", said a SAG spokesperson in a La Prensa article.
The Ministry of Agriculture projected a production of 33.3 million quintals for 2009.
Agriculture Minister Mario Aldana reported that 30 million quintals of white corn for human consumption and 3.3 million quintals of yellow corn for industrial use are expected.
Rosa M. Bolaños reported the minister’s statements in her article in Prensalibre.com: “The country consumes 36 million quintals of white corn.