Agricultural leadership changes in Peru and Uruguay

Christian Barrantes Bravo has been appointed as the new executive president of Peru’s National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA) via a supreme resolution from the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI). An animal scientist with a doctorate in rural development planning, Barrantes Bravo brings over 25 years of experience in public agrarian management and international technical cooperation to the role.

Under his leadership, INIA will focus on the development and transfer of technologies for the agricultural sector, emphasizing productivity and sustainability. Key priorities include sustainable technology, genetic research, water resource management, and knowledge transfer for small and medium-sized producers through collaboration with regional governments and universities.

In Uruguay, the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) announced that free vaccines against parasitic tristeza will be distributed to small and family producers starting in September. The program includes free application by veterinary technicians between September and November.

Minister Alfredo Fratti noted that parasitic tristeza, transmitted by ticks, is the leading cause of bovine death in the country, resulting in annual losses of approximately $90 million. To bolster future capacity, the government plans to expand vaccine production by installing a public laboratory in Paysandú.