Project News

With the cooperation of ACOVIPA (Panama Food Merchants and Distributors Association) the group members made a study tour of supermarkets and public markets on June 27, 2008.

Members generally only know about farm production and local sale of their produce.  It was apparent that observing how the produce is distributed, from its collection, to its storage, processing and sales, made a great impression on them. 

It was likewise inspiring to see so many of them diligently taking notes; they seemed to be especially interested in "sales"

(Photo 1: left) Participants listen to an explanation about refrigeration. Is it just coincidence that so many are wearing pink, or was that their plan?
(Photo 2: right) Listening to an explanation about standards and quality control at a fruit and vegetable collection center.

(Photo 3: left) Observing the selection and bagging of fruits and vegetables.
(Photo 4: right) Observing sales at a fresh produce display in a supermarket.

(Photo 5: left) In the second supermarket we visited, we had to wear sanitary clothes to enter the work area.
(Photo 6: right) At the end of the day, we visited the public (fresh produce) market in Panama City.

(Mr. Isao SAKAI, Chief Advisor / Rural Development)