Growing Organic in Panama

After moving to Panama and settling down in Boquete, I began to wonder if anyone was growing organic produce. After reading an article about Panama’s high pesticide level used in agriculture, I began my search and came across an article in The Bararenque Times a community newspaper written by Sonia Jones ND. Assuming Sonia Jones would have some insight regarding my question I called her, my assumption was correct and she gave me the name of Chris Vavatsikos from Boquete Organic. Since ordering from Boquete Organic we have enjoyed eating organically even though we pay a little more it is well worth it. In my thirst for wanting to know more about the organic community in Boquete I have met a group of organic growers which led me to write this blog and share this information with my audience.

There are small finca owners, business owners, and people such as myself supporting the growing organic movement in Panama along with the movement of environmentalists. In Panama, there are 600 small organic farmers only 200 farmers across the country are organically certified. The movement is catching on and at the same time, it is causes huge debates. With Panama's natural beauty, this country has the ability to grow fruits and vegetables pesticide free. Panama is on the list for its use of high levels of pesticides endangering the people who have to work in a poisonous environment and at the same time poisoning the rest of us who consume the fruits and vegetables.

While living in Panama over the past seven or eight months I have met organic farmers who take great pride in educating the public about organic growing. One person is Eladio Tribaldos owner of Finca San Miguel de la Montana, distributor for Boquete Organic, Candice Chrestman originally from USA who along with her husband own Palmira Products. They grow a large variety of herbs and green leafy vegetables such as kale and mustard greens, and Rodrigo Marciacq the proprietor of Villa Marita who has an on-premise hydroponic farm. Rodrigo grows a variety of lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, and more. In Potrerillos, which is, about 40 minutes southwest of Boquete is the proprietor of Montana Bosque Escondido, Saraj Golzar who grows all of his herbs and trees using his special organic compost.

I met all of these folks by going on outings such the "caminatas" hikes and through acquaintances. They all are very serious in their belief “living organically” each help the community to become more aware of eating and living a healthier lifestyle.

Eladio in April held a working seminar on his finca sponsored by La Asociacion de Productores Organicos de Chiriqui (Apochi). Around 25 people attended the earlier morning seminar to learn how to make organic compost. Each attendee received a certificate for participating. We order organic fruits and vegetables from Eladio as often as we can. If interested let me know and I can give you his cell number and weekly produce list.















Candice and her husband own and operate Palmira Product. Check out Candice’s Blog-site and you will find very interesting recipes. She uses ingredients grown on their finca and prepares delicious sauces such as Thai Sweet and Sour and Pineapple Chutney to name a few, http://palmiraproducts.blogspot.com. Log onto Candice’s blog and email her if you are interested in ordering some of the finest herbs, sauces, and much more.

We purchase our lettuce from Rodrigo who is 6 miles/9KM from where we live in Alto Boquete. It is a wonderful and very scenic drive to Rodrigo’s Villa Marita perched high atop El Sentuario featuring panoramic views of the valley of Boquete, gardens, delicious breakfast, guest gathering room, cabins and family cabins are available, some with kitchenettes. In the back area on his property, he grows hydroponic produce; of course, no pesticides are used.

Saraj Golzar moved 35 years ago from Persia to Panama. A group of us went on a guided tour to Potrerillos on May 13 as part of the 160 Anniversary of the Chiriqui Province sponsored by the Guía de Turismo Regional. One stop was to Saraj Golzar’s finca. He is currently building a restaurant; his menu will be healthy Mediterranean cuisine using organic products from his property Montana Bosque Escondido. Saraj gave us a tour showing how he prepares the organic compost.

Then there is La Organica in Boquete a small store at the end of town on a side street across from the Catholic Church. La Organica sells just about everything organic from soaps, suntan lotion, and flour to soymilk etc. It is great place to buy organic products and they have another store in Panama City.

Recently I read a very good article in La Prensa regarding organic growing in Panama. It is good to see the organic movement catching on in Panama.

This just came in more information regarding certified organic producers and the how the system works in Panama. Dr. Maria Ruiz an acquaintance and whose family since the late 1800's, with three generations of the Ruiz family have been dedicated to the traditional coffee varieties and natural-system growing methods characteristic of excellent coffee flavor and nature preservation. Cafe Ruiz in my opinion is the best coffee in Panama. Here is information Maria emailed me today with the names of Cafe Ruiz' organic coffee labels. Thank you Maria.

Jeraldine, it is great to hear from you this nice report. Let me add to it if I may.Casa Ruiz, S.A. - (CAFE RUIZ) was the first internationally certified organic integrated system in Panama some four years ago. As Boqueteños we are very proud of carrying this certification which is valid for the US market and the European Union (each major market has different rules). The integrated system means that we have to undergo third-party suppervision (by an international approved certifying body) from the farm to the point-of-sale (farm, wet mills, dry mills, roasting plants, and coffee shops). Each activity is evaluated for tracebility and compliance with stated international regulations. At this moment in time, we are carrying four organic coffees: La Berlina Organic, Jacobo Organic, Boquete Organics and Bio Kabe Sribire Gwaire. All these coffees are not only organic, but also of top quality. La Berlina Organic was among the top three in a Competition in Paris, France this year for washed coffees. Jacobo Organic is a Estate coffee from one of the oldest farms in Boquete. Boquete Organics is compound of international certified coffee farms in Boquete. The Bio Kabe Sribire Gwaire is one special case. This is an international certified small coffee farms group from the Comarca Ngäbe-Buklé with a strict quality control standards. They do a great job. As all of us know, these products speak of a job well done by many. The international recognition of Boquetenians' skill and expertees, made all of us very pleased. Greetings, Maria