The IDB has approved a loan to finance projects related to the improvement of market connectivity for small agricultural producers and the application of agroforestry technologies.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) reported that "... Through a loan of US $150 million, the Dominican Republic will work on the adoption of agroforestry technologies and improvement of connectivity to agricultural markets to increase incomes of small producers, and increase environmental sustainability and adaptation to climate change through the best management of natural capital."
A bill originating from the executive branch proposes stimulating the purchase of equipment and agricultural materials by reducing sales tax from 15% to 3%.
The bill on Agrifood submitted to Congress proposes a series of measures to stimulate the agricultural sector, including a reduction from 15% to 3% in the sales tax on the purchase of machinery and other materials.
A strategy focused on improving productive infrastructure, irrigation, roads, logistics and greater mechanization aims to increase exports by 40% by 2024.
From a statement issued by the Association of Exporters of Guatemala:
31 years ago, Guatemala exported coffee, bananas, cardamom and cotton for a total of US $507, then in 2015 it was recorded that the exportable supply has diversified into cardamom, sesame seeds, vegetables, flowers, crustaceans and shellfish, among other things, and is worth about US $3 billion, 104 million.Involved in this nationwide impact are, according to the National Survey of Living Conditions 2015 (ENCOVI, about 31% of workers, given that they engage in related agricultural activities, while in rural areas the percentage is 55%.
Statistics on agriculture and livestock production, market price trends and maps for basic grain production in the country.
From the Agricultural Statistics Yearbook 2014-2015 ":
The Agricultural Statistics Yearbook, a publication by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), through the Directorate General of Agricultural Economics (DGEA), aims to present a set of statistics which characterize the agricultural sector in El Salvador.
Producers are complaining about a lack of agility and excessive paperwork in the process to request tax exemptions for the purchase of equipment and farm machinery.
Agricultural producers argue that they can not easily access the exemptions for the purchase of equipment which is established in the recently passed Tax Act. Although it has been stated that within three months the necessary reforms will be made for the exemptions to given on products and not producers, the current requirements are delaying procedures and access to the incentive on the part of the producers.
The government has announced the purchase of livestock feed and other agricultural materials, construction of wells and reservoirs, and the purchase and rental of machinery.
From a statement issued by the Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica:
The government of the Republic will invest $29 million from the National Emergency Fund and from regular resources from various public institutions, in order to address the damages generated by the drought in some cantons in the Central Pacific and throughout the province of Guanacaste.
The clearest example of how dangerous the concept of "food sovereignty" is, comes from the example of the famine that killed 14 million people in China during a failed attempt at self-sufficiency in rice production.
As pointed out in an editorial in Nacion.com, the National Development Plan put forward by the Solis administration, in the chapter "agricultural and rural development" involves a socialist vision of food production, now outdated all over the world, attempting even to raise to the rank of constitutional law the concept of food sovereignty.
An announcement has been made of the start of construction of a plant for drying and storage of horticultural products in Nata, Cocle province.
The Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) will begin construction of the project which must have "... A facility for the receipt, sorting, bagging, drying and storage of onions, two buildings for protected crops, a building for offices, along with equipment and staff training. "
Lafise bank announced it has $5 million to provide 7 year term loans with one year grace to producers in Leon and Chinandega.
After the meeting in Chinandega with producers and representatives from the financial institution solutions that fit the needs of the sector, the effects of climate change and fluctuations in international prices have been agreed in regards to production.
The agricultural sector is demanding a law that grants tax benefits and allows the use of leasing of machinery and equipment to improve competitiveness.
Instead of buying equipment and financing it with a bank, the agriculture sector is calling for a law to be approved to regulate and encourage the use of leasing, as a way to improve productivity by renting equipment and not borrowing to acquire it.
The government has announced that the national bank will offer loans at 7.25% interest rate for productive activities in the agricultural sector.
In addition to preferential loans to encourage the development of agriculture, depressed in recent months by the drought in Central America, the Honduran government has announced the creation of a $71 million trust fund to support the sector.
The government aims to restructure the institute by investing in new equipment and improving facilities, beginning with the construction of a water treatment plant.
The first phase includes the construction of the treatment plant, adaptation of laboratories and building a new one dedicated to biotechnology.
Prensa.com reported that "...The area of technical knowledge, there will be strengthening of materials for industrial crops, animal husbandry, cultivation of basic grains, animal health, reforestation, swine and poultry."
The Euroforum 2014 program will provide technical assistance on issues such as labeling, packing and packaging, distribution and logistics as well as the preparation of commercial offers.
From a statement issued by Eeas.europa.eu:
European Union and APEN present EUROFORUM 2014 (21/05/2014)
Managua, May 21, 2014. Promoting the continuous training of some 80 SMEs with export profiles, under the framework of the opportunities offered by the Association Agreement between the European Union and Central America, is the main objective of the first edition of EUROFORUM to be held between the months of May and August this year.
The National Agricultural Development Bank has funds available for food producers.
Jorge Handal, President of the Association of Farmers and Ranchers in Sula, reported that the National Bank for Agricultural Development (Banadesa) has $255 million available in loans for producers, which will be granted with an interest rate of 9%, lower than the market rate.
With the construction of a new irrigation canal the aim is to increase agricultural productivity in a naturally dry area.
A new irrigation canal in the north, 34 kilometers long, will artificially irrigate some 8,600 hectares in the cantons of Cañas and Abangares allowing in order to promotoe the revival of production in this area and diversification. $15 million will be invested in the project and work is expected to start next March.