Agriculture has long been an important part of El Salvador’s economy, with the sector contributing an estimated 4.74% to GDP in 2022 according to recent figures. The country possesses fertile soils and a favorable climate well-suited to growing a variety of crops.
Traditionally, El Salvador has been renowned for its production of coffee, sugar cane, and cotton. Coffee in particular has played a historic role, with the country once among the world’s leading coffee exporters. While the agriculture sector’s share of GDP value has declined slightly in recent years, falling 0.1 percentage points since 2021, these commodity crops remain important foreign exchange earners.
Moving forward, there is opportunity to further optimize the sector’s economic impact. Diversifying agricultural exports into higher value products could help strengthen farm incomes and rural development. Fruits and vegetables present promising alternatives that demand less land and offer healthier consumption options. Investing in quality certifications, cold storage, and transportation infrastructure also supports market access and competitiveness.
As a consulting firm, Ruskin Felix can provide strategic guidance to stakeholders across El Salvador’s agricultural value chain. Our expertise encompasses feasibility studies for crop diversification and identification of new export opportunities. We also offer advisory services in areas like sustainable production practices, financing models, and partnership facilitation.
By working with farmers, cooperatives, exporters and the public sector, RFC aims to develop roadmaps that boost productivity and create jobs in rural communities. With the right strategies and execution, El Salvador’s agricultural heritage can continue contributing to national development for years to come.