The Agricultural Development Bank (BDA), created by Law No. 13 of January 25, 1973, is celebrating its 53rd anniversary with the firm purpose of strengthening itself as the financial arm of the country's primary sector, betting on the optimization of resources, the modernization of service points, and a new credit model aimed at micro and small producers. The restructuring of the BDA is focused on providing direct financing to the smallest producers, with the objective of increasing food production through its transformation into an Agricultural Promotion Institute (IFA), following the guidelines of the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino. The National Government, as part of its institutional modernization plan, is advancing in this process of change towards the IFA, with a clear vision: to invest more intelligently, modernly, and sustainably in the future of Panamanian agriculture. The outlook for 2026 is promising for micro and small producers, with a budget estimate exceeding 45 million balboas, which will allow reaching 20% more communities nationwide, expanding access to agricultural credits and strengthening the most in-demand sectors of the industry. According to reports from the Credit Management, the total amount of loans approved between November 2024 and October 2025 exceeded 46 million balboas. Livestock activity led the financing with 49%, representing more than 16 million balboas disbursed. In second place was agricultural activity with 27%, equivalent to more than 9 million balboas, while the remaining 24% corresponded to other activities, for an amount of 8.1 million balboas. Regarding loan recovery, 2025 figures were positive, with 37.4 million balboas in principal, equivalent to 112.12%, in addition to 3.5 million balboas in interest. It is worth noting that within the restructuring process towards the IFA, which will be a reality this year, the BDA achieved operational savings of 4.8 million balboas in 2025, resources that strengthen its capacity to support the national agricultural sector.
