The recent official authorization to import ham into Panama has generated concern among pig farmers and other groups in the food industry. The importation of this product for Christmas bags, valued at more than nine million dollars, has been criticized by pig farmers and distributors of agricultural inputs.
These import actions add to other similar decisions that have negatively impacted national production, such as the importation of large quantities of rice during harvest times. Local producers express their opposition to these measures that affect their work, competitiveness, and food security.
The Agricultural Marketing Institute (IMA) has been pointed out as responsible for these imports that harm domestic producers of high-quality food. In response, producers are calling for unity to protect national production and seek strategies that favor their development.
On the other hand, government directors in the agricultural sector have been criticized for their lack of support for local producers. Protests are expected in the coming days against these decisions that threaten the country's food self-sufficiency and benefit a small group of traders.
In this sense, it is necessary to promote measures that support national producers and ensure the competitiveness of the agricultural sector in Panama. Stakeholders involved in the food industry have expressed their rejection of these imports that jeopardize national production and the work of those who dedicate their efforts to this important economic sector.
