Passalacqua after meeting with yerbatero producers: "I will not stop fighting for the INYM to regain its powers"

Governor of Misiones, Hugo Passalacqua, met with yerba mate producers and reiterated his commitment to restoring regulatory powers to the National Institute of Yerba Mate (INYM). During the meeting held at the Provincial Government House, Passalacqua emphasized his determination to ensure the institute regains its authority over pricing regulations, stating, “I will not stop fighting so that the institution can recover its powers. Here there are no partisan issues.” The gathering included representatives from agricultural producer associations, cooperatives, unions, and other entities linked to the yerba mate industry. These stakeholders presented proposals aimed at addressing the current economic challenges within the sector, including a draft law to establish a minimum price for yerba mate leaves. The issue has been central to discussions since the INYM lost its ability to set minimum prices two years ago. Passalacqua expressed support for the producers' demands and proposed forming a dialogue table to further analyze the situation. He reaffirmed his stance in favor of those engaged in production, asserting, “I have always stood with those who produce.” Additionally, he highlighted that the difficulties faced by the yerba mate industry affect all residents of Misiones, impacting their quality of life. Participants in the meeting included Minister of Agriculture and Production Facundo López Sartori, along with leaders from the Association of Agricultural Producers of Misiones (APAM), the National Institute of Yerba Mate (INYM), the Association of the Upper Uruguay, the Civil Association Impulso Yerbatero, the Cooperative Río Paraná, the Agrarian Movement of Misiones, and members of the Unified Rural Workers Union (SUOR), the Sindicato de Tareferos de Jardín América (SITAJA), the UATRE, and the Civil Association of Tareferos of the Central Zone. López Sartori explained that the producers came forward with a legislative proposal to address the main challenge they have been working on for two years, the loss of the INYM’s role in setting a minimum price for yerba mate. He noted that the governor instructed the provincial executive to collaborate with the Chamber of Representatives in developing legal tools to protect rural producers and workers while the national debate on the institute's functions continues. He concluded by stating that the government would continue advocating for the restoration of the INYM’s powers and, until that happens, work as an autonomous province to secure better prices and support for rural workers. The meeting took place amid broader economic concerns affecting the region, including financial delays in Chaco and reduced fuel consumption in Corrientes. These factors underscore the complex interplay between local and regional economic conditions and the ongoing efforts to stabilize key industries such as yerba mate production.