Panamanian beans to be canned following producer, IMA, and private sector alliance

Panamanian bean producers in the Chiriquí province are embarking on a new venture to transform their harvest into canned goods, a move designed to add value to national agricultural output and expand market access. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between producers, the Agricultural Marketing Institute (IMA), and private enterprises.

The project aims to industrialize the recent harvest, which yielded approximately 40,000 quintals of beans. A significant step was marked by the delivery of initial payments, with a check for $1.17 million presented for the purchase of 18,000 quintals by the company Arifoods S.A., benefiting around 90 producers from three associations in the province. This effort provides an alternative for producers facing issues of overproduction.

Carlos Araúz, a spokesperson for the producers, highlighted the benefits of the agreement, stating, "It has several positive elements, not only that the issue of overproduction has been sold to IMA and private companies, but also that the inclusion of the product in the fairs fills us with joy." The goal is to process the entire harvest, utilizing the high-quality Chiriquí beans as raw material for various IMA programs nationwide.

The plan is to process more than 40,000 quintals, ensuring that this quality bean reaches consumers at affordable prices. The introduction of canned beans into agro-fairs and other retail channels seeks to strengthen the presence of national beans in the market. This strategy also aims to guarantee greater placement for Chiriquí's agricultural production and reduce losses from production surpluses by focusing on industrial transformation to improve the sector's income.