National Institute of Yerba Mate faces leadership deadlock and glyphosate debate

The National Institute of Yerba Mate (INYM) faced a leadership deadlock after a board meeting failed to reach a quorum. President Rodrigo Correa attempted to appoint Rosana Biale as General Manager, but the process was halted when seven directors—representing the government, producers, and cooperatives—walked out of the session. With only six members present, the board lacked the seven members required to make valid decisions regarding hierarchical appointments.

Separately, INYM board member Gerardo Vallejos addressed the use of glyphosate in yerba mate cultivation. Vallejos clarified that the chemical is not used to spray the plants themselves, but is applied to surrounding weeds to prevent nutrient competition. He noted that the decomposing weeds act as natural fertilizer for the soil. Vallejos mentioned that while organic alternatives were tested, they did not yield expected results, leading to an exceptional extension by the Chamber of Deputies for glyphosate use, subject to strict controls and documentation.