The dairy industry, as well as horticulture, fuel transportation and goods such as drinks and beer are facing extra costs associated with recent events.
Economic losses are in the "millions," said Juan Francisco Kiener, president of the Union of Industrialists in Panama. The dairy industry is very concerned, and horticultural products are becoming scarce in supermarkets. Also being affected is the transport of beer, beverages, oil and bread, and the agricultural sectors of Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro", published Prensa.com.
However, leaders in the productive sectors have not provided any specific figures.
"Although circulation has been restored on the Interamerican Highway, the closure of the access road to Volcán is preventing producers in that area from receiving fuel. Nor can they transport their production and they have no labor, since 90% of workers are indigenous. This was confirmed by Virgilio Saldaña, president of Horticultural Producers of the Highlands, who noted that this region produces 90% of the vegetables in the country", said the article on the website.
Source: Prensa.com
More on this topic
February 2012
Vegetable and milk farming are the sectors most affected by road blocks set up by Indians in the Panamanian province of Chiriqui.
"The closure the American Highway by the Ngäbes Bugle Indians has caused losses to the agricultural sector estimated at $3.2 million, however, the figure may be higher, said Oscar Osorio, head of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA)," reported Prensa.com.
August 2010
The climate phenomenon known as "La Niña" has caused up to 40% losses in some cultivations.
Virgilio Saldaña, president of Panama's Highland Region Growers' Association; indicated that to make matters worse production costs have soared, in some cases by as much as 50%.
"The situation is deeply concerning for producers, particularly of onions, lettuces, carrots, peppers and potatoes, which have not grown sufficiently due to the low temperatures," reports P-digital.com.pa.
February 2010
7 months after the creation of the Cold Chain Secretary, there are still no concrete proposals for the agricultural industry.
Virgilio Saldaña, president of a grower's association which, added that after each harvest, losses due to perishable goods can reach up to 60%.
Prensa.com published statements by Fernando Duque, executive secretary of the Cold Chain: “In three months we could know where the gathering centers will be located, in order to start implementing this project”.
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