Uruguay agriculture minister Fratti draws fire for remarks after July floods

Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries Alfredo Fratti met with about 50‑60 producers in Salto following the severe storm on July 18. During the discussion he said the government’s priority was small producers "who have no back to start over again" and added a remark about larger producers that was reported as "a little kiss on the forehead and move on". The comment was taken out of context, prompting several farmers to leave the meeting and sparking political criticism. National Party leader Álvaro Delgado called the statement "sad and concerning" and accused Fratti of sowing division instead of unity during the disaster response. Fratti later said the phrase was misrepresented, acknowledged it was not a happy expression, and reiterated the ministry’s intent to support the sector.

The episode highlights tensions between government officials and the agricultural community in the wake of the flood emergency.