Panama is One Step Away from Exporting Beef to the U.S.

• The Animal Health Laboratories of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) have approved three pre-audits from technical delegations from the United States (US), putting Panama one step closer to exporting beef to the US market.  
• During laboratory inspections, key aspects such as infrastructure, sample handling, quality controls, health traceability, and epidemiological surveillance systems were evaluated.  Reinaldo Viveros, National Director of Animal Health at MIDA, reported that only one step remains before submitting the formal equivalence request for meat exports. This includes the regulation of the Law of the Directorate of Food Control and Veterinary Surveillance.
• Meeting these requirements places the country in a privileged position to begin exporting beef to the world’s most demanding markets, which will not only strengthen confidence in the local health system but also boost the economic development of the livestock market. 
• Panama is estimated to export $40 million worth of meat to the U.S. annually, according to projections shared in 2024 by the National Cattle Ranchers Association (ANAGAN). Panama's advancement toward exporting beef to the U.S. could aid in enhancing fiscal stability by generating critical foreign exchange revenue.

(Source: Newsroom Panama)