Uruguay wants to reduce dependence on pig imports

Pig production in Uruguay is a relatively small industry. - Photo: Rogério da Cunha
Pig production in Uruguay is a relatively small industry. - Photo: Rogério da Cunha

In the weeks and months leading up to the event United Pork Americas, Pig Progress takes a deep dive in pig countries in the Americas. What is pork production like in the various countries in both continents and what are the perspectives for development? This first edition zooms in on Uruguay.

Uruguay is known globally and has a long beef tradition, but what about pork? The pleasant country in the south east of South America sustains a small production, around 13,000 tonnes per year, and low levels of per capita consumption at 16.6 kg annually.

Uruguayans prefer beef over pork

In fact, pig meat only represents 19.39% of Uruguay’s meat preference, while beef and poultry are the favourite ones, with 53.38% (45.7 kg) and 24.3% (20.8 kg) respectively. In total, according to Uruguay’s National Institute for Meat (INAC), inhabitants consumed about 85.5 kg animal protein among all species in 2020.

UruguayUruguay’s pig production has been decreasing over the last decade. Data from the Uruguayan Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries showed that, in 2012, the country produced 17,223 tonnes of pork and, year-on-year, those numbers have been declining to the current level of 13,000 tonnes.

Dependence on pork imports

Imports, on the other hand, have grown since then to meet the domestic demand. 10 years ago, in 2012, Uruguay imported 26,376 tonnes of pork. Until November 2021, that number has grown to 36,654 tonnes, representing 57.18% of the total of the country’s meat imports.

The origin of that amount is almost entirely from Brazil (97%), with the remaining few percent hailing from Paraguay, Spain, Denmark, Chile and Argentina. For all those pig meat imports Uruguay paid US$ 91.5 million, at a price of US$ 2,497 per tonne in 2021. The preferred cut is pork shank, which represents about two-thirds of the total.

Pig herd inventory

Since 2019, the Uruguayan pig herd has risen slightly from 142,761 animals to 148,853 in November this year. Just over a decade ago (2009), those numbers topped 240,000 head. According to INAC, 7 groups cover all commercial pig production there, see also Table 1.

The highest concentration of those farms is in the south of the country, especially in the departments of Canelones, San José and Colonia, which are home to about the half of pig inventory.

Lack of long-term pig production plans

When analysing the potential of Uruguay’s pig sector, Luis Pedro Elhordoy, president of the South West group of Pig Producers, highlighted that pig production is the 2nd most important agro-economy on the planet and it would be a “luxury” for Uruguay to have a targeted and profitable production.

Uruguay is also home to the Pampa Rocha breed, a type of pig that developed at the grasslands (pampas). The breed adapted to local harsh conditions and know how to feed on e.g. grass. - Photo: Rogério da Cunha
Uruguay is also home to the Pampa Rocha breed, a type of pig that developed at the grasslands (pampas). The breed adapted to local harsh conditions and know how to feed on e.g. grass. - Photo: Rogério da Cunha

To the local newspaper La Mañana he said, “It is hard to think that, being a livestock and agricultural country, we cannot use a source of wealth as important as pig production. This sector could create labour for the people. Instead of being an exporting country we are an importer.”

Elhordoy added that there is no plan for that and Uruguay needs a national plan, despite some interest expressed by the country’s president, Luís Lacalle Pou. Elhordoy concluded, “Due to that, it is difficult to move forward.”

Azevedo
Daniel Azevedo Freelance journalist Brazil



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