Originally from Costa Rica, 45,000 liters of fungicides used to combat rust will be available from 5 to 8 April in Guatemala's agroservices.
So reported Nils Leporowski, president of the National Coffee Association (Anacafe), adding that negotiations with five companies trading fungicides took over a month. Because it had the best prices Disagro Singenta was chosen for the distribution.
The sectors involved have three years to learn and adapt to the new guidelines on ground applications and pesticides.
A statement by the National Environmental Authority (ANAM) reads:
Implementation coordinated of provisions on the use of terrestrial pesticides
Interagency coordination which enables the regulation of terrestrial applications of pesticides is being pushed by the national government in order to prevent pollution of water, soil, and food as well as avoiding harm to humans.
A mutant strain of the fungus is affecting 40% of trees in this country and is raising concerns due to its spread potential.
This aggressive variety of rust attacks the leaves of plants and reduces their productivity, and it finds better conditions in low-altitude sites, where it is warmer and there is more moisture.
Central America and Mexico produce about a fifth of the world's Arabica coffee, a quality grain preferred by roasters such as Starbucks. The presence of rust is a serious concern for farmers in the mountains or on the slopes of volcanoes, Reuters reported.
The size of the agrochemical market is around $30 million, a figure which should decrease based on demands from the buying countries and the prohibition to use 16 different pesticides.
The Institute of Agricultural Research (IDIAP) has recommending farmers to create management programs based on crop monitoring, for effective pest control.
According to an article in Prensa.com , "An increase in temperature in the country has led to a late attack from pests. This makes biological control more preferable, as chemicals alter and desynchronise the relationships between plants-parasites-and pests, which is detrimental, especially for grain. 'For any item to be productive it is necessary to manage it in an integrated way,' said Bruno Zachriss from the IDIAP”
In 2010 the total amount imported was $ 149 million, 11.1% higher than 2009.
Of the total imports, almost 35% is exported to Central America, some to the Caribbean countries and the rest to the United States.
The largest buyer of chemicals manufactured in Guatemala is Honduras.
"The executive director of Agrequima, Julio Ruano, said the increase may be due to the increase in exports and crop areas, both in Guatemala and in other countries," reported Elperiodico.com.gt.