Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
FAO's Maximo Torero warns that high fertilizer costs and prolonged conflict may force farmers to cut inputs and plantings. A 20% reduction in fertilizers could slash yields by 25%, as costs now consume half of smallholder budgets.
Uruguay will exceed 350,000 hectares of brassicas in 2026 — compared to 348,000 in 2022 — driven by lower nitrogen fertilizer dependency versus wheat and canola prices consolidated above USD 500/mt. (El Observador, 2026).
The agricultural sector is undergoing a profound transformation: in 2025, the country achieved a production of over 700,000 tons of rice for the first time.( Ali, M. I., y Mustapha, Z. , 2025)
In 2023, the relative internal productivity of the Agriculture sector in Latin America and the Caribbean was 44 (with total productivity coefficient = 100), showing its lag compared to sectors with higher productivity, according to the sectoral graph of the report (ECLAC, 2025).
2011 was the year from which the report identifies a downward trend in total factor productivity in the region (ECLAC, 2025).
3 more countries recorded positive productivity changes in 2024 than in 2023, according to the comparative count of the report (ECLAC, 2025).
23 countries in LAC recorded positive year-on-year productivity changes in 2024, according to the report’s analysis (ECLAC, 2025).
34.6 was the external relative labor productivity index for Social services in LAC versus the EU (EU=100) in 2023 (ECLAC, 2025).
42.7 was the external relative labor productivity index for Basic services in LAC versus the EU (EU=100) in 2023 (ECLAC, 2025).
33.6 was the external relative labor productivity index for Transport and information in LAC versus the EU (EU=100) in 2023 (ECLAC, 2025).
