Agriculture is one of the fundamental pillars of the Guatemalan economy, contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product and foreign trade. However, in recent years, we have seen how the country’s varieties of fruits and vegetables have reached their limits in terms of competitiveness and adaptation to market demands, making it vital at this time to have a tool that promotes competitiveness. rural, for the future of Guatemalan agriculture.
A look at the current situation
During the last three decades, Guatemala has been recognized as an important exporter of agricultural and agro-industrial products. However, this exportable supply has become increasingly limited. Varieties that opened markets and generated employment, such as peas and berries, are today more susceptible to diseases, or the market is asking for other flavors and sizes, which the country is not offering yet.
Competition in international markets is high. Guatemala faces the reality that most of the countries with which it competes, such as Costa Rica, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia, are members of the Law for the Protection of New Plant Varieties. These countries are advancing agricultural innovation and have a competitive advantage that Guatemala cannot ignore.
Agriculture as a pillar of the Guatemalan economy
Agriculture is a crucial sector for food security, social and economic development of Guatemala. It contributes more than 14% of the Gross Domestic Product and represents 40% of the country’s exports. In addition, it provides more than 80% of the products necessary for domestic consumption. In 2021, the Agricultural Sector stood out as the second largest export sector, generating a value of US$4,163 million.
The lack of a Plant Variety Protection Law means that Guatemala is failing to protect and promote the creation of new varieties, which in turn stops investments in research and innovation. These investments are crucial for the development and productivity of the agricultural sector. The protection of plant varieties provides legal certainty, which in turn encourages investment in the diversification of plant varieties.
