Agricultural producers hold in their hands the capacity for pushing Argentina towards a new age that
will be marked by genetics and information technology. The Argentine crisis is so exhausting that for moments it is impossible to create long-term projects and this can carry negative consequences. During four days,
1,300 agricultural producers met in Rosario, Argentina, to discuss the most important issues related to their activity on a national and international level. "Stubble and Beyond Stubble" was the slogan chosen by
Aapresid (Argentine Association of No-Till Farmers) for presenting this tenth annual encounter.
The conference included important points for Argentina, such as biotechnological development, international commerce and
new markets. But perhaps one of the subjects most covered was Argentina's entry into an economy of knowledge.
Juan Enriquez, from Harvard University, was very clear: rich countries speak a new language that Argentine
producers still don't know very well, "the digital language, the genetic language". It is fundamental that Argentina–if it wants to project itself and advance in order to offer a better standard of living to its
population- redirect its efforts in this sense.
"The added value of the world economy is in the economy of knowledge," sustained Enriquez and underlined that to reach this, it is crucial to invest in an efficient and
modern educational system.
"Having scientists means having people who speak the language of the world economy and then, more will be able to patent. Without patents, the economy of knowledge cannot be sold," assured
the Mexican.
Francesco Di Castri, ex-director of Unesco, suggested some ideas for Argentina's relocation in the international scenario. "If all complexes are left aside, Argentina can truly be great, great in the
uniqueness of its general diversity," he assured. The Italian considered that centers of development must be created in relation to the characteristics of the different regions in every country. The Argentine future
should be marked –from his point of view- by an important regionalization and an efficient decentralization.
After four days of discussions, producers left Rosario with the certainty of being the only competitive
sector left in the Argentine economy. They are efficient and innovative, and they hold in their hands the future of a country that currently stumbles between international default, inflation and devaluation. They
listened attentively to the opinions of international specialists pointing out the need for a change in direction, and many felt they are willing to be part of pioneering proposals which combine technological, cultural
and economic factors.
However, an awkward feeling kept floating in the air: in spite of everything that has been reached is still not enough. Efforts in investigation and investments in technology and education must
be doubled. As Enríquez said, "The challenge isn't planting the seed anymore, the challenge is creating it." That is the new goal.
E-campo.com
