Rodolfo Fonseca: General Manager – ANAPROSE
SW: Can you describe ANAPROSE?
Fonseca: ANAPROSE, Uruguay’s National Seed Producers Association founded in 1964 and a legal entity since 1992, brings together 17 seed-producing companies in Uruguay, including commercial companies and cooperatives.
SW: What are ANAPROSE’s key priorities?
Fonseca: ANAPROSE’s mission is to promote an appropriate regulatory framework, generate sectoral information, develop technical and human resource capacities, and foster collaboration among sectoral actors.
ANAPROSE is currently focused on strengthening the National Seed Institute (INASE) to control the market and reduce informal seed trade. It is also involved in basic seed multiplication through an agreement with INIA, which has made it possible to supply the seed market and generate higher-value business for its members.
The generation of information and training are current priorities, with efforts in the areas of seed production, environmental impact and carbon footprint. ANAPROSE also works to facilitate its members’ access to different markets, working strongly with Brazil and seeking to open new export markets.
In terms of collaboration, ANAPROSE has contributed significantly to the development of the Seed Law and the creation of INASE, as well as actively participating in planning certified seed production and national research through INIA’s Regional Advisory Councils.
Through our vision of being a transparent and representative organization, ANAPROSE continuously promotes the production of quality seeds, establishing standards that guarantee their quality, supporting research and genetic improvement. The association strives to be a protagonist in the development of the seed sector, consolidating this sector with great potential in Uruguay.
Agustin Damboriarena: General Manager – Cámara Uruguaya de Semillas (CUS)
SW: Can you describe CUS?
Damboriarena: The Uruguayan Chamber of Seeds (CUS) is a civil association that brings together Uruguay’s main companies whose activities are related to the development, production, processing and marketing of seeds. It currently has 39 members, representing the wheat, barley, rice, soybean, corn, sorghum, sunflower, forage, vegetable and cannabis/hemp sectors.
SW: What are ANAPROSE’s key priorities?
Damboriarena: CUS promotes the use of high-quality legal seed and the incorporation of cutting-edge technology in its production process. It promotes the development and strengthening of national and international markets, and the achievement of the best conditions to enhance the commercial activity of the seed industry. We contribute to the development, compliance and dissemination of regulatory, phytosanitary and technical standards related to seeds. We are committed to the generation and responsible use of agricultural biotechnology. This translates not only in our communications, training and technical assistance in biotechnology, and biosafety issues, but also in their protection. For two decades we have been leading the Insect Resistance Management (IRM) program in corn, with excellent results. On this basis, we represent and defend the interests of our members, serving as a liaison with both public and private institutions to promote the growth of the sector and the commercialization of quality seeds.
Uruguay by the numbers:
- RELATIVE IMPORTANCE: 90% of Uruguay’s land area is used for agriculture and 25% of the GDP is generated by the agribusiness chain.
- SEED VALUE: The Uruguayan seed market is worth around US$200 million.
- SEED VOLUME: The average volume of seed exports in the last 3 years was 15,000 tons per year.
- EXPORTS: Uruguay exports its seeds to more than 20 countries, reaching all continents.
- Top seed exports include: forage species (60%), followed by soybeans (25%), and then other seeds (15%) including rice and sorghum, among others.
