Argentina (Southeast Buenos Aires): "Despite the increase in the potato production area, the outlook is good due to the industry’s needs."

The Seventh Comprehensive Agricultural and Potato Conference, held during the National Potato Festival in Otamendi, was held with a large turnout of producers, provincial authorities, and representatives of the agroindustrial sector. This traditional event, which brings together producers from across the region, became a key forum for analyzing the current state of potato production and projecting the future of this important agricultural sector.

At the meeting, Alfredo Pereyra, president of the National Federation of Potato Producers (FENAPP), emphasized that, although the situation presents challenges, the harvest outlook is positive. "I think we were all expecting this area. We knew we had to plant more because the industry being set up in the Industrial Park will demand more, and the potato output will improve. Now we’ll have to see the harvest with these rains. Furthermore, prices aren’t in our favor right now, but we don’t have to rush because it’s going to be a good year," Pereyra stated.

For his part, Javier Rodríguez, Minister of Agrarian Development, highlighted the importance of potatoes as a "vector of local and regional development." According to Rodríguez, the potential of this crop is not only related to production, but also to the creation of added value at the various stages of the production process. "For us, at the Province, who understand that development must occur within the 135 districts, boosting this production is fundamental," the minister stated.

The official also emphasized the structural challenges facing potato production, listing four key pillars for sustained development: "Production with producers, with added value, sustainable, and always accompanied and supported by scientific and technological innovation," Rodríguez emphasized. In this regard, he mentioned the importance of experimental farms and the recent progress in biotechnology research in the region, such as in Miramar, where work on potatoes has resumed and the first groundbreaking has begun for the biotechnology laboratory that will also address kiwi cultivation.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss infrastructure efforts and collaboration between producers, municipalities, and the province. "We trust in the strength of the producers, but above all, in the coordination between them, the Province, and the Municipalities to continue working toward future growth," added Rodríguez, highlighting the joint efforts being undertaken to ensure the sector’s sustainability.

The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the path potato production must take to become a key driver of local economic development, and underscored the importance of innovation, cooperation, and commitment among industry stakeholders to achieving a promising future.

Among the attendees were Sebastián Ianantuony, Mayor of the Municipality of General Alvarado; Lucas Magnano, President of Coninagro; Mario Raiteri, Secretary of Coninagro; and Juan Manuel Ferreiro, President of the Tandil Potato Producers Center.

Also present were José Linares, vice president of FENAPP, and Pablo Catafesta, representative of the Provincial Potato and Seed Producers Association. Alfredo Pereyra, president of FENAPP, and Javier Rodríguez, Minister of Agrarian Development of the Province.