Panel Discussion: Agriculture and Sustainable Production

The debate on the productive future of the country, particularly the future of livestock production, gathered the attention of a hundred people on May 7th, during a new meeting in the series “Dialogues on the Future of Uruguay,” held in the Assembly Hall of the Executive Tower.

Experts on the topic, government authorities, and members of production organizations presented different perspectives on how to combine productivity and sustainability, the role of natural fields, and how to increase market access opportunities.

Led by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), the discussion began with an opening panel featuring the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uruguay, Pablo Ruiz Hiebra; the Minister of Environment, Robert Bouvier; and the Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Fernando Mattos.

The authorities made it clear that, while the country has made significant progress, it is necessary to implement long-term state policies, create spaces for dialogue and cooperation, and establish strategies for Uruguay to compete internationally.

During the meeting, representatives from various organizations in the productive sector, including the Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, the National Commission for Rural Development, the Agroecology Network of Uruguay, the Rural Youth Association of Uruguay, and the Agrarian Youth Movement, shared their views through a video on how they envision the future of agriculture in Uruguay and the role of livestock in it.

As part of the central panel, Carolyn Opio, Livestock Policy Technical Officer for FAO Americas, emphasized that the keys to the future of livestock farming lie in balancing productivity and sustainability. She noted that, given the growing global demand for food, the country faces the challenge of producing more with less. In this regard, she said that increasing efficiency, innovation, and research and development are the pathways to reducing environmental impact.

For her part, Verónica Durán, director of the Agricultural Policy and Programming Office of MGAP, presented a vision of Uruguayan agriculture from the perspective of the National Strategy for Agricultural Development (SENDA). Meanwhile, Gerardo Evia, National Director of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of the Ministry of Environment, provided the ministry's perspective on production and sustainability.

The reduction of emissions in livestock farming was identified as another key aspect for advancing towards environmentally sustainable livestock farming. Verónica Ciganda, coordinator of the Natural Resources, Production and Environment Area of the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA), argued that a balance must be sought between reducing carbon emissions and conserving biodiversity.

Among the speakers was Gianni Motta, Head of Innovation at the National Meat Institute (INAC), who presented possible scenarios for the global beef market.

Towards the end, Álvaro Simeone from the Department of Animal Production and Pastures of the Faculty of Agronomy (University of the Republic) provided details on livestock intensification within the future of national production. He noted that the incorporation of concentrated feed into cattle diets was a technological option that allowed for reducing slaughter age, increasing slaughter weight, and boosting meat production. At the same time, he highlighted the crucial importance of early weaning to achieve better economic results.

Puedes ver las palabras de apertura aquí: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GXbfzeVuaA