Uruguay Agriculture Minister outlines irrigation and land initiatives

Uruguayan Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Alfredo Fratti, provided an update on government measures for the agricultural sector during the closing of Expo Prado 2026. Fratti described the livestock sector as being in an “exceptional moment,” while noting potential challenges posed by climate threats and El Niño predictions.

Key initiatives discussed include the development of a National Irrigation Strategy through the Interministerial Executive Commission for Irrigation Matters (Ceiar). Feasibility studies are underway for projects in Treinta y Tres and the San Salvador river basin. Additionally, the government has incorporated tax benefits and exemptions for multi-farm irrigation projects into the Accountability Law.

In terms of land colonization, the government aims to allocate 25,000 hectares, with 11,600 hectares already purchased and paid for. The remaining 13,500 hectares are currently undergoing the final adjudication process.