AGRINFO launches first mission to Guatemala

An important step in strengthening engagement with key agrifood stakeholders across Latin America 

As part of its 2026 regional outreach strategy, AGRINFO selected one country in each region for closer collaboration. In Latin America, Guatemala was chosen due to the concentration of its agricultural exports to the European Union, particularly in the palm oil sector. The mission provided a valuable space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder engagement. 

The event held on 26 May, “Tools to Export to the EU and the New EU Rules on Packaging” was hosted by the Export Association (AGEXPORT) and officially opened by H.E. Ambassador Julio Orozco, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala. Representatives of the Ministry of Economy gave a presentation on the free trade agreement with the EU. 

The session brought together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss practical tools for exporting to the European market and to provide updates on evolving EU regulatory requirements, including new packaging rules that will affect exporters. 

The event also served as the official launch of AGRINFO’s information study in Guatemala. The study aims to understand how agrifood stakeholders’ access and receive information on EU policy and regulatory developments that may affect their exports. 

The mission provided an opportunity to strengthen AGRINFO’s mapping of key public and private stakeholders in Guatemala’s agrifood sector and to conduct a series of interviews. On the private sector side, interviews were held with representatives from AGEXPORT, the Agriculture Trade Chamber (Cámara del Agro), and several industry associations and unions representing sectors such as food and beverages, coffee, palm oil, bananas, and sugar. Meetings were also conducted with companies operating across these value chains. Within the public sector, AGRINFO engaged with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Customs Authority to discuss regulatory developments, trade facilitation, and information needs. 

This first mission has established a valuable network that will form the foundation for AGRINFO’s continued engagement in Guatemala. The relationships built and insights gathered will support a second mission to continue sharing information on new EU policies and regulations and advancing the stakeholder interviews that form part of the ongoing study. 

By strengthening cooperation and improving access to regulatory information, AGRINFO aims to help Guatemalan agrifood exporters remain informed, competitive, and well-positioned to access the European market. 

This activity is supported by the AGRINFO programme, implemented by COLEAD and funded by the European Union (EU). This publication receives financial support from the European Union. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.