Panama’s Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), through Resolution No. OAL-135-DM-2015, published last week in the Official Gazette, has banned the entry or transport of imported onions and potatoes from production areas where the presence of regulated pests has been detected, given the fact that the country is considered to be of low pest prevalence.
According to the growers, this initiative is intended as a phytosanitary protection measure and aims to give peace of mind to those involved in the cultivation of these products.
Onion producer Augusto Jiménez pointed out that imports of this product without phytosanitary controls could result in the entry of pests that are still unknown in the country. For his part, potato producer Virgilio Saldaña stated that the move will ensure a greater health protection and control on imported goods.
The measure was implemented because imported potatoes and onions could prevent the future granting of Pest Free Area certifications.
Source: PanamaAmerica.com