Livestock and meat export challenges have become increasingly prominent for farmers, impacting their commerce and future production. Recently, Javier Caporgno, the manager of the Ceres Cooperative, revealed on Maxima radio Stream, "Por el momento solo sabemos que se decreto la exportación de ganado en pie, pero no conocemos la reglamentación." This marks the uncertain beginnings of live cattle exports from Argentina, which could yield mixed outcomes for the industry.
Caporgno explained his perspective on the export measure, asserting, "No creo que debilite la industria frigorifica, ni tampoco otras explotaciones ligadas a la carne vacuna. Lo que si considero es que la medida va a potenciar la producción ganadera." This assertion reflects optimism among some producers who believe such regulations may encourage greater livestock breeding and increase livestock volumes, thereby countering any adverse effects on domestic meat prices.
While the argument for potential benefits exists, it runs parallel to significant concerns, particularly for Coahuila livestock farmers. The region continues to grapple with an indefinite suspension of beef cattle exports to the United States, which had been established since November 23, 2024, due to health inspection failings. Abel Ayala, president of the Unión Ganadera Regional de Coahuila, underscored the frustrations felt throughout the farming community, saying, "Desafortunadamente, no tenemos todavía una respuesta en este momento..." This highlights the psychological strain inflicted on producers waiting for decisions from authorities beyond their control.
Despite meeting the stringent safety protocols set by U.S. regulators, the marketplace remains stagnant, and cattle remain on the farms, gaining weight but stalling buyers. Ayala elaborated on the urgency of this situation, noting, "Entendemos esta presión y la hacemos nuestra, estamos trabajando para que esto se concluya a la brevedad posible." His comments reflect efforts from both local and state leaders, including the government and health organizations, to rectify export delays.
Despite the setbacks, there is progress to report from other quarters. The National Quality and Animal Health Service (Senacsa) recently confirmed the satisfactory outcome of the food safety audit conducted by the European Union’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety from September 9 to 24, 2024. The review was key to maintaining the legitimacy of Paraguay's beef export capabilities. "Concluyó satisfactoriamente el proceso de evaluación de los resultados de la auditoría...", stated Senacsa officials, providing solace amid the prevailing uncertainty.
The assessment demonstrated Paraguay's compliance with the EU's stringent certifications, stating they are equipped to meet relevant standards. Although the EU constitutes only 2% of Paraguay's total meat export market, it remains significant, adding up to approximately $184.7 million for 52.5 million kilograms of beef. This introduces optimism for other markets as well, as Senacsa prepares for upcoming audits on March 2, 2025, by representatives from Singapore, another competitive buyer on the international meat stage.
Looking to the future, Ayala places hope not just on the resumption of U.S. exports but also on the scheduled auction fairs for livestock sales, which may bolster local economics. "Pero te voy a dar una primicia, en junio se hará por primera vez un Remate Rosgan en nuestro predio ferial de Ceres," he announced, encouraging community engagement at these important events and the return of normalcy within cattle auctions.
Ongoing challenges compel farmers to navigate through frustrating times, waiting for decisions to restore market flows. But with health audits occurring and measures underway to comply with international expectations, there is glimmering hope on the horizon. Local farmers echo calls for accountability, requesting swift actions to regain access to lucrative markets, which is of utmost importance as they contend with rising feed prices and the weight of cattle awaiting sale.
For livestock producers, the culmination of regulatory and environmental factors has created significant hurdles. The commitment from associations such as the Unión Ganadera Regional de Coahuila and Senacsa reflects the industry's resilience, even as adversity ensues. Farmers are encouraged to maintain patience and optimism, with officials diligently working to mitigate these pressing challenges and usher cattle back to international markets soon. This period of uncertainty could define the future of their livelihoods, buoying their hopes for recovery among the turbulence of the meat export sector.