GUALACA – By Isabella Rossi | 2025/06/07 04:54:10 – Minister of Agricultural development, Roberto Linares, recently visited the Nutrition and Biotechnology Laboratories of Animal Reproduction at the Institute of agricultural Innovation of Panama (IDIAP). The visit underscored the ministry’s commitment to enhancing research and services available to agricultural producers in Panama.

During his visit, Minister Linares toured the facilities located at the Experimental Station of Gualaca, in the Chiriquí province. He received detailed briefings on the laboratories’ operations, the advanced equipment utilized, and the range of services they provide.

Accompanied by the governor of Chiriquí province, Aixa Santamaría, and leaders from the National Association of Livestocks (Anagan), Minister Linares highlighted the critical role these facilities play in Panama’s agricultural advancement. He emphasized the need for MIDA and IDIAP to work in tandem to support Panamanian producers.

Minister Linares pledged to bring the matter of the laboratories’ installed capacity to the agricultural cabinet, with the goal of securing additional qualified personnel to ensure optimal performance.

Commitment to Collaboration and Enhanced Laboratory Capabilities

“MIDA and IDIAP are at the service of the panamanian producer…to ensure reinforcement with ideal personnel that guarantees its optimal performance.”

Minister Linares also stressed the significance of close collaboration between Anagan, local producers, and MIDA scientists to ensure the laboratories operate efficiently and productively.

Audino Melgar, the National Director of Products and Services of IDIAP, noted that the animal nutrition laboratory has been modernized and equipped to better support research and service activities. He explained that the lab is now capable of accurately determining the nutritional composition of pastures, fodder, and animal feed.