The rural area of Canelón Chico became the scene of an important advance for the Uruguayan horticultural sector. In the presence of President Luis Lacalle Pou, the Minister of Livestock Fernando Mattos and the general manager of the farm, Nicolás Chiesa, the first metal structures were inaugurated as part of the Plan to Support the Modernization of Vegetable Production under Protection. This initiative, financed by the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) through the General Directorate of the Farm (DIGEGRA), represents a milestone in the modernization of the country's horticultural infrastructure.
An 89 million peso plan for innovation
The modernization plan, which allocates 89 million pesos, aims to transform the old wooden structures into modern metal constructions, offering solutions to 254 producers on 31 hectares in the departments of Artigas, Canelones, Durazno, Cerro Largo, Flores, Florida, Maldonado, Montevideo, Río Negro, Rivera, Salto, Paysandú and Treinta y Tres.
The investment also includes the improvement of nylon coverage in greenhouses, benefiting more than 300 producers who will be able to face adverse weather conditions with a more robust and efficient infrastructure.
Luis CarresseMGAP's Decentralization Director, and Mercedes YacosaThe Rural Development Director highlighted the benefits of the new metal structures. These facilities not only offer greater resistance to strong winds and better lighting, but also facilitate the entry of machinery, thus improving working conditions for horticulturalists. "We are talking about a paradigm shift that will allow producers to look to the future with more optimism."said Carresse.
Horticultural crop protection modernization
The modernization of protective structures is a direct response to the climatic challenges that have affected the horticultural sector in recent years. The first call of the plan supported the replacement of nylon coverings in greenhouses, while the second focused on the installation of metal structures. The initiative seeks not only to improve crop efficiency, but also to increase growers' resilience to extreme weather events.
Fernando MattosThe Minister of Livestock emphasized that this policy represents a crucial pilot experience for the sector. "We are replacing traditional systems with structures that offer better working conditions and greater durability. Undoubtedly, this will mark a before and after in horticultural production."said Mattos. Government support through subsidies and different financing channels is also focused on supporting producers of different sizes, ensuring that everyone can benefit from this modernization.
The inauguration of the metal structures in Canelón Chico not only symbolizes a technical advance, but also a government commitment to the sustainable development of the horticultural sector. The modernization policy seeks to ensure that Uruguayan producers have the necessary tools to face climatic challenges and improve the quality of their crops.
Nicolas ChiesaThe Farm's general manager, highlighted that this change towards metallic structures responds to a worldwide trend in Horticulture. "Modernization is inevitable and its benefits are indisputable. We are aligned with international best practices."said Chiesa.
