Tropentag, September 18 - 20, 2019 in Kassel "Filling gaps and removing traps for sustainable resources development"

Reprimarisation: Implications for Regional Agriculture Development in Argentina

SME Secretariat, Argentina

Abstract

In spite of the fact that Argentina ranks among the world top agriculture exporters, in reality, it is strongly reliant on a limited selection of products, mostly raw and low-processed commodities. In recent decades there has been a tendency in Argentina to return to primary commodities as the main source of export revenues, namely reprimarization. This has led to a great expansion of extensive crop production activities such as soybean and maize, most of which are genetically modified.
The need to generate greater export volumes has meant that in many cases priorities have emphasised short-term productivity expansion in natural resource intensive sectors, without due concern for environmental criteria. Over the years, there have been increasing problems related to environmental (land erosion, loss of biodiversity) and socio-economic issues (displacement of small producers, impact on rural development, malnutrition). Hence, local communities increasingly recognise that it is necessary to integrate environmental issues and start to set more focus on a sustainable pass.
This research aimed to identify the regionalism and agriculture development orientations which have occurred in the last 20 years. Presenting the agricultural trade patterns and analysing the evolution and structural relationships in the agribusiness sector for main five productive regions. The findings will contribute towards a better understanding of the need for a more diversified and sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: Agribusiness, organic agriculture, sustainable development

Contact Address: Ana Florencia Stoddart, SME Secretariat, Mendoza, Argentina, e-mail: anastoddartoutlook.com