January 12, 2009
Uruguay to implement soy farming permit request programme
Uruguay is planning to implement a permit request programme for the farming of soy in the coming season, as part of a soil conservation plan sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The plan has been criticised as a plan to control the expansion of soy production, over that of wheat, by many farmers.
Farmer organisations pointed out that 40 percent of the land in Uruguay is leased out to foreign investors, who are primarily interested in soy.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Andres Berterreche stated that the government was concerned about erosion and the plan may be spread to other crops.
