POR QUÉ URUGUAY
Affordable land and its continuous increase in value is a winning combo for those who are seeking investment opportunities. On the other hand high international prices of raw materials that Uruguay produces, thanks to its rich soils and reasonable production costs, make it the ideal business.
Grains
Currently the dollar depression and an imminent recession in the United States drive the grain prices (e.g. soy, corn) which are reaching historical records. Knowing the world’s grain production is scarce, that everyday there is a higher demand and taking into consideration the biofuel situation, it is to be expected that in the years to come there will be massive demand from first world countries that will impact positively this particular market.
Meat
Uruguayan beef suppliers are committed to meeting the requirements of the international marketplace. Through its animal welfare codes of practice and on-farm quality assurance schemes, superior animal health status and mainly extensive farming systems, Uruguay can provide the quality sought by customers and consumers worldwide.
Demanding markets such as U.S.A., Canada, Mexico and Europe have a distinct preference for markets which produce organic meat; in Uruguay sheep and cattle graze outside all year with no indoor housing. Our country enjoys a privileged position as a meat exporter due to its excellent sanitary status, free from diseases such as mad cow or foot-and-mouth disease (aftosa). Moreover Uruguay is the first country in the world to apply a traceability system for cattle which grazes in natural pasture; traceability basically means that each animal’s route is tracked down and recorded till it reaches the consumer.
Sanitary security and quality of Uruguayan meat products
are recognized internationally.
Exports
Uruguayan exports grew 15,3% in 2007 with reference to 2006 thanks to the agricultural sector which leads the first seven places.
Source: Conexión agropecuaria número 480
Geographical
Nature could not have been more generous with Uruguay moreover political, social, geographical and environmental conditions favor land production. In Uruguay there are no extreme natural phenomena like snow, earthquakes, floods or alike which may endanger human life. The weather is mild; the seasons are moderate and the average temperature is 23º C in summer and 12º C during winter. Ample rainfall averages between 1200 mm to 1500 mm through out the year. This weather allows to harvest two crops per year, summer (sunflower, corn, soy, etc.) and a winter one (wheat, barley or other). Uruguayan cattle are raised on their natural diet of fresh pasture in wide open spaces without the need to provide a grain diet with nutrient supplements. Uruguay’s topography is described as being an undulating peneplain watered by a net of rivers, streams and creeks that travel the country. It has been blessed as well by hundreds of kilometers of beaches on the Atlantic ocean’s shore and beautiful cities like Punta del Este to enjoy.
Political, social and economical
Uruguay is a country with solid democratic tradition where private property is highly respected. There is no history of land occupation or social or political violence which might threaten its peace; as it happens in other Latin-American countries. Foreign investments are encouraged and there is no discrimination between foreign or domestic producers regarding tax payment nor there are any limitations when wanting to hire foreign personnel. In 2006 Uruguay’s population reached 3.241 003 inhabitants, which is entirely European in origin, the vast majority being Spanish or Italian immigrants followed by the French and the English. Its population is the most literate in Latin America (98%). Needless to say, there are no terrorist organizations whatsoever. It has remained on the sideline regarding the conflict between U.S.A., Israel and Islamic movements; no violence involving such conflict is to be expected. Social peace reigns over our country which is without doubt the safest country in America. In conclusion, Uruguay has to offer several structural advantages and a high standard of living in comparison to other countries around the world. More and more foreigners are devising Uruguay as an extremely favorable corner where to invest in land.
