Río Grande Germán Asencio Agroexperimental Farm development

The Municipality of Río Grande has progressed from the development phase to the official inauguration of the Germán Asencio Agroexperimental Farm in Tierra del Fuego.

Initially, the project focused on infrastructure and renovation work at the site to establish a facility for agricultural research, training, and food production. Early plans emphasized the production of fruits, vegetables, and poultry, alongside the establishment of the region’s first strawberry seedling nursery. The facility was designed to utilize advanced techniques like hydroponics and aquaponics in collaboration with INTA to support local producers.

Following these developments, the 3,000-square-meter site, which recovers the historic ‘Los Pinos’ property formerly managed by producer Germán Asencio, was formally inaugurated. Rather than focusing solely on direct production, the facility serves as an agroexperimental platform for research and training to overcome the specific climatic challenges of the region. Local officials, including Mayor Martín Pérez, characterized the farm as a strategic resource and a “beacon” for improving the city’s productive capabilities and moving toward food self-sufficiency. José Luis Iglesias, president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Production of Río Grande, also noted the initiative as a vital step toward local food security.

To further strengthen the facility, the Municipality and Río Grande Activa Sociedad del Estado signed a cooperation agreement. This public-private partnership aims to transform the farm into a research and development hub. The agreement focuses on conducting experimental trials, producing seeds and seedlings, and generating technical data to facilitate connections between the municipal space and various private companies and stakeholders in the agro-food sector.