Industrial tomato producers from the Azuero region have expressed concern over the increase in production costs, mainly driven by the rise in diesel prices, lack of financing, and payment delays.
This situation represents a "headache" for producers, who are facing the harvest without sufficient financial backing, stated Celestino Rivera, president of this agricultural sector.
He explained that this year they have not had access to loans from the Agricultural Development Bank (BDA), which has forced farmers to operate with their own resources.
Rivera also denounced that the government is pending the payment of the incentive known as the "productivity dollar" for the year 2025, established in Law 107, which further aggravates the sector's situation.
"The increase in diesel directly impacts all production costs, from planting to harvesting. This will inevitably lead to an increase in consumer prices," the leader warned.
The producer indicated that the continuity of the harvest is at risk, just as processing companies are preparing to start receiving tomatoes in the coming days.
He also warned of possible consequences for the country's food security, stating that the rising cost of agricultural production could affect the basic basket.
The farmers made an urgent call to the authorities to ensure pending payments are made and support measures are implemented to sustain agricultural production in Panama.
