Agricultural uncertainty and pest threats impact regional planting seasons

Agricultural producers in Bolivia and Argentina are facing significant challenges as they approach the 2026-2027 planting seasons. In Bolivia, the Association of Oilseed and Wheat Producers (Anapo) has warned of growing uncertainty regarding the summer sowing campaign. Anapo General Manager Jaime Hernández noted that rising production costs and the need for full export liberalization are major concerns. The association is also calling for the approval of transgenic events in soy and corn to improve yields. Failure to address these demands could lead to a reduction in the planting of strategic crops, potentially affecting national food security.

In Argentina, specifically in the Entre Ríos province, specialists are alerting corn producers to the presence of the fall armyworm (gusano cogollero). Eduardo Romani, an expert from INTA Concepción del Uruguay, stated that the pest has already been detected in its first generation across various sectors of the province. While current incidence remains low, the rapid lifecycle of the larvae poses a threat, as they quickly enter the plant's whorl, making effective treatment difficult once established.