Browse Data and Analysis

Austria continues to be one of the leading forces in Europe opposed to the use of agricultural biotechnology. Anti-biotech NGOs, who have a strong influence on Austrian consumers, farmer organizations, the food-processing sector, and the retail sector all campaign against genetically engineered agricultural and food products.

Honduras has made no modifications to its existing regulatory framework regarding genetically engineered (GE) crops. As of October 2024, planted area of GE corn in Honduras has increased by 29 percent from the previous year, rising from 52,000 to 67,000 hectares. In 2024, the National Committee on Biotechnology and Biosecurity approved six events.

The National Plant, Animal Health and Food Safety Service (SENASA) is the regulatory agency in Honduras that is responsible for the inspection of all agricultural products that enter the country.

SENASA and ARSA have made significant progress in expediting import procedures with the introduction of online options for requesting import permits and sanitary authorizations of imported raw materials that provide immediate electronic delivery to ports of entry.

In 2023, Honduras’s consumer-oriented imports from the United States reached $553 million, making it the second-largest importer in Central America, after Guatemala.

The total value of U.S. agricultural exports to Honduras in 2023 reached $1.3 billion, with a 39 percent (%) market share, and a 4 % decrease from the previous year.

Honduras coffee production is expected to reach 5.5 million 60-kilogram bags in marketing year 2023/24, a twenty-four percent decrease from the previous year.

Sugar production and exports are projected slightly up in marketing year (MY) 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) because of the increase in productivity yields, harvested area, and additional investments made in the sugar sector and increased exports.

The total value of US agricultural exports in 2023 was USD 1.3 billion, down 4 percent from the previous year. Bulk products fell USD 53 million, while intermediate products rose USD 23 million. The main staple foods are white corn (maize), beans, and rice, with corn being consumed more than wheat or any other grain.

In 2022, Austrian organic sales reached $2.94 billion, a new high, and remain at a high level in 2023. Despite a difficult market environment with high inflation and a significantly increased cost of living, organic sales increased by over five percent compared to 2021.

Austria as a member of the European Union (EU), applies EU regulations to the imports of agricultural products. U.S. export certification requirements for most products destined for the EU are harmonized.

This report outlines specific requirements for food and agricultural product imports into Austria. As a member of the European Union, Austria follows EU directives and regulations.