More demanding quality standards in international markets and lack of financing explain the 40% drop reported in exports to November 2019.
According to figures from the Center for Export Procedures (Cetrex), between January and November 2019 the country exported 442 tons of natural honey, a volume that is 20% lower than the tons traded during the same period in 2018.
Nicaraguan Rum, cigars, seafood, honey, vegetables, beans, timber, medicines and wood furniture will be allowed into Ecuador with preferential tariffs.
From a statement issued by the National Assembly of Nicaragua:
With 83 votes the National Assembly approved, on February 22, a Partial Agreement between Nicaragua and Ecuador that will allow the exchange of tariff preferences and the elimination of non-tariff restrictions on imports of a variety of more than 30 products from both countries.
Prawns, cheese, honey, vegetables, peanut oil, peanuts, raw sugar and fruits are some of the products that people want to have duty free status under the FTA.
In the framework of bilateral negotiations for free trade between the two countries, Nicaraguan businessmen pointed out that there are several products that are in the list for staged tax relief, such as shrimp, cheese, honey, vegetables, peanut oil, peanuts, sugar raw and fruits, but they are looking for a"better tariff treatment"for others that are pending negotiations.
58% of Canadian families buy organic food at least once a week, making it an attractive market for companies producing these products.
The demand for organic food has grown in recent years both in Europe and in North America, where countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Canada are buying more and more organic food which is free of pesticides, dyes and other chemicals in order to improve their health.
The agreement approved by the National Assembly of Nicaragua allows entry into the Cuban market of products such as meat, milk, honey and black beans.
The agreement, which aims to extend preferential entry of goods into Cuba, includes tax treatments and sanitary and phytosanitary measures to be observed in the exchange of products.
"The agreement, which was approved by a vote by 81 MPs from both the ruling party and the opposition, had been sent "to emergency procedure" by the executive branch, headed by Daniel Ortega, revealed the National Assembly through its press service . "
Nicaragua's current and potential agricultural sector offers opportunities that the industry has not exploited to the fullest.
This was explained Roberto Brenes, General Manager the Export and Investment Center (CEI) in an interview he conducted with Massiell Largaespada from Elnuevodiario.com.ni.
The official explained that for this to be able to happen, producers must take on a challenge and that is in the production process and introduction of technology in order to move from producing raw materials to producing products with added value.
The entry into force of the Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union encourages projects to increase honey production in Nicaragua.
Currently production is less than 500 tonnes per year, equivalent to 0.09% of what was imported globally last year (518,818 tonnes). According to Luz Marina Arana, coordinator of marketing research of the Center for Export and Investment (CEI), although Nicaraguan honey has entered duty free since 2004, with the entry into force of the trade agreement, "the new rules will stabilize trade and expand the possibility of new markets. "
Suppliers of organic products reported a rise in sales and improved market conditions.
A statement from the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) reads:
Sales of organic products in Europe Recover
According to Organic Monitor many suppliers of organic products have reported a rise in sales and improved market conditions, however, this situation is not shared by all European countries.
The International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM in Spanish) has issued new rules to replace those previously established in 2005.
A statement from the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) reads:
The IFOAM has published new rules to replace those previously established in 2005 and these have been approved by electronic vote of the members of the federation, a process which ended on August 5.
The French market for organic products grew by 10% in 2011, despite the crisis.
From a press release by Procomer:
Despite the crisis the consumption of organic products in France has increased.
In ten years, the French "bio" market, despite the crisis, has maintained the interest of consumers. The market has grown ten percentage points in 2011 to reach a turnover of around 4 billion euros, while French household consumption has declined by 0.5% on average for 2011, partly due to decreased spending on food, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies in France.
There are currently 22,600 hives across the country, a figure that could reach 300,000 with additional profits of $20 million.
At present, there are about 22,600 hives across Nicaragua, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Magfor) - the Nicaraguan National Beekeeping Commission estimates there are just over 30,000 - but older studies claim that there is potential to have 300,000 hives, reports Laprensa.com.ni.
Six Nicaraguan companies traded coffee, honey, sesame seeds, and cashews with European buyers at the organic products fair Biofach 2012.
The Association of Nicaraguan Producers and Exporters (APEN) and the Export and Investment Center (CEI), reported that six Nicaraguan companies also connected with 80 potential buyers.
The most popular products were coffee, honey, sesame seeds, and cashews, which will be sent to Germany, UK, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, France, Spain and Denmark, according to an article on Laprensa.com.ni.
Between January and August this year, foreign sales have doubled compared to the same period in 2010.
$639,000 worth were exported in the aforementioned period, far surpassing the $304,000 in the first eight months of 2010.
The increase is explained partly by rising demand from Europe, mainly Germany, Belgium and England, which has encouraged Nicaraguan beekeepers to produce more.
Ingemann Food, operator of 5.500 hives, plans to grow to 25.000 in the next 7 years, in order to become one of the world’s largest producers.
The Danish company started operating in the country on 2008, with 1.800 hives, growing to 5.500 in 150 farms in the country’s west and center regions.
“We are ambitious, in 7 years we expect to top 25.000 hives, thus becoming the world’s largest honey producer”, stated Lars Moller, CEO of the company.