Agriculture, in the heart of Guatemala, is intertwined with the country’s history, traditions and economic aspirations. Over the centuries, from ancient Mayan civilizations to modern farmers, Guatemalan lands have witnessed crops that have fed and clothed generations. This sector has not only sustained the national economy by being a primary source of exports, but has also formed an integral part of the country’s cultural identity, reflected in festivals, gastronomy and popular art. However, in the face of this rich heritage and relevance lies a scenario of untapped opportunities and unfaced challenges.
The actual magnitude and capacity of the Guatemalan agricultural sector, with its diversity of crops and microclimates, awaits to be fully recognized and developed. While nature has provided Guatemala with fertile lands and favorable conditions, it is human intervention through appropriate policies, legal reforms and sector-oriented fiscal structures that will determine whether the country can unlock the true agricultural potential that remains latent. It is a call to rethink and restructure, so that agriculture is not.
The weight of agriculture in the Guatemalan economy
