Asuncion, IP Agency.- The official inauguration of Expo 2024 took place this Saturday with the presence of various national authorities. The president of the Rural Association of Paraguay, Daniel Prieto, said that “the countryside is and will continue to be the main engine that drives the development of the country.”
During his speech, he pointed out that the Mariano Roque Alonso Expo has become a beacon of patriotism, where not only ranchers, farmers, industrialists and businessmen in general are proud to show their work, but even more importantly, the people come to feel part of the effort of the countryside.
“It is important to clarify that we have Expo for many more years to come, the only divorce that exists is with the unfair practices of the sector that imposes low prices on producers and the intention of foreign impositions that can slow down our model of sustainable development, recognized and valued throughout the world,” he announced.
He also highlighted the impact of the sector, which represents 74% of foreign exchange earnings, seven out of every 10 dollars brought into the country, originate from the countryside, and also generates 320,000 sources of employment throughout the value chain.
In this regard, he spoke of the risks faced due to the lack of a fair price for the producer. The price of meat in recent years has increased by 30% for the local consumer, however, the producer has been receiving 17% less, he said.
“Livestock farming under these conditions loses its appeal, as evidenced by the decrease in livestock numbers in recent years, by 1 million heads, and the departure of 19 thousand producers from the system. This compromises the creation of new jobs, a situation contrary to the government policy that today promotes the dream of reaching a goal of 500,000 jobs, to which production has much to contribute,” he said.
In this regard, he said that the decrease in income in the livestock sector negatively affects rural economies, which depend largely on this activity. The concentration of benefits in a few increases inequality and reduces economic investment in production in the country.
“The sector really produces premium meat, high-quality animals, and we are confident that we are positioned as the best meat in the world, proof of this are the results of the audits within the framework of the implementation of the Bovine Carcass Classification Standard (…) although we compete in a free market, we need the institutions to function correctly,” he added.
On another occasion, the head of the ARP advocated for solid institutions and people of honor who are willing to exercise public service with patriotism.
“Within the context of our country’s security, we cannot fail to mention the need for the powers of the State to support producers and fight decisively once morest the scourge of cattle rustling. This crime, accompanied by a lot of violence, causes immense harm to the agricultural sector, discouraging investment and production,” he said.
He said that the country has enormous production potential, but its limits have not yet been reached. Paraguay produces sustainably, with clear laws and environmental protection that very few countries can demonstrate, he stressed.
“Just as we understand that democracy is the best system we can count on, we also believe that there are weaknesses that we must address. There is a need for social dialogue and commitment from all sectors to give immediate attention to the reform of the Treasury, which now has a deficit of 42%, significantly affecting the military, police and teachers,” he said.
On the other hand, he advocated for the creation of the Paraguayan Meat Institute, which he said will provide promotion and information, allowing for work in consensus between the public and private sectors, “this is a necessity and not a whim,” he stressed.
It will also allow for increased export possibilities to more and better markets, generating a greater income of foreign currency for the country, achieving a collection that contributes to improving universal basic services such as health and education, also allowing a fair price for the livestock producer.
“As a sector, we are committed to building a future where prosperity and sustainability are our legacy,” he concluded.
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2024-07-15 06:37:43
