Market
Fresh potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a highland vegetable crop in Guatemala, with production area concentrated in western and central highland departments (notably Huehuetenango, San Marcos and Quetzaltenango) alongside other producing departments. ICTA publishes guidance and reference materials for certified seed potato production and lists potato varieties available as certified seed and/or minitubers through its regional centers. For trade, Guatemala’s MAGA/VISAR maintains a product-level import-requirements system (SIGIE) and publishes commodity-specific phytosanitary import requirements, including explicit conditions for US-origin potato tubers for consumption and for seed. Overall, Guatemala is a domestic producer and consumer market for fresh potato, with import compliance requirements shaping access for foreign suppliers.
Market RoleDomestic producer and consumer market with regulated import access
Domestic RoleImportant domestic vegetable crop for highland farming systems and national food supply
SeasonalityICTA notes production across multiple departments, enabling cultivation throughout the year.
Risks
Phytosanitary Compliance HighFresh potato imports into Guatemala can be blocked or delayed if the shipment does not match MAGA/VISAR product-specific phytosanitary requirements (e.g., required phytosanitary certification and, for US-origin table potatoes, specified brushing and anti-sprouting treatment; for seed potatoes, additional pest-freedom declarations).Before contracting or shipping, verify the exact SIGIE import requirement record for the product/origin and ensure the exporting NPPO can issue the phytosanitary certificate with any required additional declarations; confirm any stated treatment/cleaning conditions are executed and documented.
Plant Health MediumLate blight (Phytophthora infestans) is widely recognized by CIP as a major, destructive potato disease that can drive high fungicide dependence and rapid production losses, creating supply volatility and cost pressure in potato value chains.Prioritize resistant varieties and integrated late-blight management (monitoring, rotation, and disciplined fungicide programs); for procurement, diversify sourcing windows/areas and require documented crop protection plans.
Logistics MediumPotato is freight-intensive; road transport delays and cost volatility can materially affect delivered condition, shrink, and landed cost in Guatemala’s domestic and regional distribution.Use conservative transit-time assumptions, specify cleaning/handling requirements, and align delivery terms and contingency plans for route disruptions.
Sustainability- Fungicide use intensity risk where late blight pressure is high (cost, environmental, and applicator safety considerations)
FAQ
What are the published phytosanitary conditions for importing US-origin fresh potato tubers for consumption into Guatemala?VISAR’s published requirements for US-origin potato tubers for consumption specify an International Phytosanitary Certificate and state that the potatoes must receive an anti-sprouting treatment and be brushed (cepillada).
Which Guatemalan authority manages phytosanitary import requirements and certificates for plant products like fresh potatoes?Guatemala’s Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA), through VISAR and its plant health functions, issues phytosanitary certificates and manages phytosanitary controls; SIGIE is used to consult product-level import requirements.
Which potato varieties does ICTA list as available through its seed/propagation offerings?ICTA lists potato varieties including Loman, Tollocan, ICTA Chiquirichapa, Atlantic, Atzimba and ICTAFrit in its published seed/price information for potato (including certified seed and/or minitubers).