Ecuador's New Economic Ministry Triggers Rural Sector Alarm

The Ecuadorian government has merged the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries with the Ministries of Economy and Finance and Production, creating a single Ministry of Economic and Productive Development. President Daniel Noboa announced the restructuring, naming Sariha Moya, former finance minister, to head the new super‑ministry.

Farmers, ranchers and rural leaders expressed worry that the loss of a dedicated agricultural ministry will weaken representation for small and medium producers, limit technical assistance, credit access and price support, and prioritize large‑scale agro‑export interests. One Sierra Centro agrarian leader said, “If before they didn’t listen to us, now less.” Rural groups plan meetings to assess the move and consider statements defending the countryside’s needs. Analysts note the change could reshape policy design, affecting the entire food‑production and distribution chain in Ecuador.