Economy

Paraguay increases agricultural exports and advances toward sustainable and competitive production

Dec, 18, 2024 Posted by Gabriel Malheiros

Week 202448

Paraguay has increased agricultural exports by more than 28% this year compared to last year, along with a rise of over 15% in the export of pork, beef, poultry, and dairy products, highlighted the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Giménez. He emphasized that one of the main objectives is to achieve sustainable and competitive agriculture to meet the demands of the School Feeding Law.

He stated that Family Farming is set to join the business circuit in 2025, thanks to the implementation of family farming fairs and ongoing agribusiness practices.

Minister Giménez highlighted these points in a report presented to the President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, who led the Council of Ministers meeting held past Tuesday at the Government Palace.

Giménez recalled that upon taking office, the goal was to support the most vulnerable sectors working and living in rural areas, helping them to become producers capable of meeting domestic demand while also focusing on exports managed by Family Farming.

He emphasized that through honest dialogue, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) gathered input and implemented actions to impact the economy the government envisioned. He noted that this involved distributing genetic materials and providing inputs, machinery, and tools and that the objectives were successfully achieved.

Paraguay establishes itself as an exporting nation

Minister Giménez highlighted a historic milestone: the transition from an importing nation to an exporter after 70 years. He added that this shift has directly impacted the economy of the vulnerable sectors that place their faith and hope in agriculture.

He noted that over $1 million is significant for this critical sector, which now requires more substantial support. To this end, they are working through the MAG system, collaborating with institutions, and transitioning from subsistence agriculture to a market-oriented, competitive agricultural model.

Export growth benefits family farming

Minister Giménez recalled that last year, the price of tomatoes was 23,000 guaraníes per kilo, which is now accessible to all. Other products, such as bananas and pineapples, are already being exported to easily accessible markets.

In his report to the Council of Ministers, he also highlighted the reopening of the Chilean market and the opening of the Brazilian market for banana exports, both of which significantly impact Family Farming. Supporting the most in-need sectors is a key government priority, he said.

The minister also underscored this year’s main goal: achieving sustainable agricultural production. MAG is distributing genetic materials and providing guidance—not welfare—toward fostering competitive agriculture.

He further announced that Family Farming will be ready to enter the business circuit next year. «We have been preparing through various fairs and ongoing agribusiness practices, which is exactly what we need,» he noted.

Paraguay – Mercosur – European Union

In another part of his report, Giménez stated that MAG is helping small producers identify available markets within Paraguay and exploring opportunities generated through Mercosur. «We are proud, Mr. President, of this government’s achievements with Mercosur and the European Union,» he added.

He highlighted Paraguay’s position as a leading producer of organic products, mainly organic sugarcane. He noted that the country is among the top exporters of organic sugar. «We are working to expand, meet demand, and continue growing in this area,» the Minister stated.

Giménez also mentioned that MAG is evolving into a versatile ministry that monitors its deliveries through a technical center in direct communication with producers. This ensures that market availability is effectively identified through collaboration with organizations and institutions.

Source: IP – Agencia de Información Paraguaya

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