The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries in Uruguay declared an agricultural emergency in Treinta y Tres and Rocha due to severe flooding, impacting over 1.2 million hectares of agricultural land. The crisis has disrupted the rice harvest season, damaged soybean crops, and affected livestock operations.
Minister Fernando Mattos attributed the challenges to unprecedented rainfall, leading the government to activate the Agricultural Emergency Fund to provide financial aid through non-reimbursable loans and subsidies. This support is part of a broader strategy to assist farmers against climatic challenges and ensure the long-term resilience of the farming communities.
Previously allocating $40 million to help producers affected by a severe drought, Uruguay reaffirms its commitment to the agricultural sector. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, proactive measures like emergency declarations are vital for sustaining the productivity and sustainability of Uruguay’s agriculture.
Background
In neighboring Rio Grande do Sul, catastrophic floods have halted the economic growth of a state crucial to Brazil’s economy. The unexpected heavy rains have disrupted forecasts and industrial production, impacting sectors like agriculture and automotive industries.