In 2014 and 2015 a pilot plan was already carried out in Guatemala, which will be resumed for 10 weeks, a period in which tests will be carried out to mix 5% to 10% ethanol, in the different gasoline that are consumed locally.
For agricultural producers, the use of precision biotechnology in Guatemala requires a specialized committee so that the authorities' decisions are based on technical and scientific evidence, and not under the influence of political or ideological interests.
Guatemala already has regulations in this area, since on October 1, 2019, the regulatory framework signed by the Ministry of Economy with its counterparts in El Salvador and Honduras came into effect.
JH Biotech, a subsidiary of Jianghuai Horticulture seed Co., dedicated to the genetic improvement in seeds of horticultural products started operations in Nandayure, Guanacaste.
From Costa Rica, the company will work on generating hybrid seeds of different varieties of watermelon, melon, pumpkin and chilies. In its laboratories, molecular analysis processes are carried out to verify quality results.
The agricultural chambers in the region are preparing law proposals to be presented in the Central American countries to remove the restrictions on growing GM foods.
Representatives from FECAGRO said the use of agricultural biotechnology allows for improved technology that enables high productivity seeds, reduces agrochemical use, creates more drought-resistant crops that can also be irrigated with salt water and are completely safe for human consumption.
Ten manufacturers of medical equipment, cosmetics, food supplements and biotechnology products will meet with entrepreneurs from Costa Rica to explore business opportunities.
Small and medium Chilean companies trying to enter the Central American market this year, through lines of copper-based creams sun blocks, physical rehabilitation equipment, electro-stimulation systems and radiological shielding.
Soybeans, corn and cotton are the main GM crops in Brazil, a country that accepts and promotes genetically modified foods.
In Brazil the number of hectares planted with genetically modified soybeans, corn and cotton amounts to 36.6 million, varieties of crops which according to producers reduce costs, increase production and generate higher profits.
The in vitro plants produce almost twice the amounts of fruit per head, being ready to harvest two months earlier than regular plants.
These plantains produced in the biotechnology laboratory of the International School of Agriculture and Livestock of Rivas (EIAG) were grown in order to assertain the benefits of of plantains produced in a laboratory.
In Panama there is a growing practice of transferring embryos for fertilizating cattle.
Born Animal Biotechnology is a company founded with Brazilian capital and based in Panama's Ciudad del Saber. Local business are also involved in the enterprise.
An article in Capital.com.pa reports that "Panama is the fourth country in the world in terms of transferring the most embryos for in vitro fertilization of cattle, a technique that was implemented in the country two and half years ago, and that from next month will be taken to the Dominican Republic and later to Honduras and Venezuela, sais a Panamanian veterinarian and manager of the company's technology and bovine reproduction at Born Animal Biotechnology, Jose Ramon Sanchez. "
The US company Emerging Healthcare Solutions Inc. (EHSI), purchased the Panamanian company Células Genética.
In March this year, the companies signed an agreement to share profits, through which EHSI injected $ 1.8 million into the Panamanian company.
A few days ago, Células Genéticas announced the purchase of a license to develop and commercialize the Rutherford Procedure, a technique for organ regeneration.
Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research company plans to use Panama as a base to support projects in Central America and the Caribbean.
The organization is one of the world leaders in tropical agriculture and was responsible for the development of the South American giant's bio-fuel industry.
"Embrapa's Panamanian office will channel support from Brazil into projects developing the region's skills and food security," reports Prensa.com.
Taking Chile as an example, Salvadoran agriculture must modernize and work with a business mindset, investing in technology and innovation.
Mario Salaverría, president of the Sugar Association, commented that the sector needs to eradicate plagues and diseases, to avoid being held back by international food safety barriers.
He highlighted the country’s successful program to eradicate classic pork fever, which required several million dollars but allowed El Salvador to export beef and pork to anywhere in the world.
The CENIBiot, National Biotechnology Innovation Center, was inaugurated after a $21 million investment.
This center is a result of an agreement with the European Union, and has $11.4 million to finance scientific projects.
"The facility will process and reuse waste from agricultural industries, in order to convert them into bio-fuels, bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers, or use them in decontaminating residual waters", reports Mipunto.com.
China will finance a high technology development center which will feature a business center, shopping area and data center.
The governments of both countries are already working on the design of the complex estimated at a cost of $65 million.
According to Nacion.com, the Chinese ambassador in Costa Rica, Wang Xiaoyuan, reported: "We reached an agreement for China to give consultation on the park.
The medical and scientific research center would cost $7 million in the first three years.
The center would conduct studies for the prevention and treatment of diseases from genetic information.
According to the article in Prensa.com, "The project will have a network of laboratories and institutions both public and private, and it will be supported by a research center in South Africa."
Lack of complete legislation that allows testing, planting and harvesting of genetically modified products is blocking investment in the sector.
Guatemala is being left behind in comparison to its Central American neighbors in the use of biotechnology to improve cultivation and harvesting and runs the risk that multimillion dollar investments, like that of the Mosanto multinational company, will not be carried out in the short-term.
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