Doing Business In Argentina

Planting Seeds
Overview Return to top
Planting seeds is one of the most important agricultural products imported into Argentina
from the United States, totaling $19 million in 2006.
2005 2006 2007 (estimated)
Total Market Size 779 808 845
Total Local Production 740 770 800
Total Exports 56 83 110
Total Imports 39 38 45
Imports from the U.S. 19 19 21
Millions of USD. Exchange Rate 1USD=3 Argentine Pesos.
Sources: The above statistics are unofficial estimates, based on Argentine Customs data and
industry contacts.
Best Products/Services Return to top
Alfalfa continues to be the primary seed imported from the U.S., followed by yellow corn,
clover, rye grass, and fescue. Likewise, seeds from vegetable crops and lawn grass
seed have been in demand.
Opportunities Return to top
Off-season production of corn and soybean seed has generated positive returns in the
last years. Exports of corn and soybean seed to the United States have been $12.5 and
$16 million in respectively. However, in 2006 these exports to the United States are
estimated to reach $43 million out of a total $46 million. In 2007 these exports of
planting seeds are estimated at $45 millions.
The new development of marginal areas for beef and dairy industries will mean that
demand for quality forage seeds will remain high. There is a strong demand for grasses
suitable for sub-tropical regions in the northern part of the country.
Resources Return to top
Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Foods: www.sagpya.mecon.gov.ar
Argentine Association for the Protection of Plant Property Rights (ARPOV):
www.arpov.org.ar
Argentine Agricultural Research Institute (INTA): www.inta.gov.ar
Chamber of Seed Producers of the Argentine Grains Exchange Stock:
www.argenseeds.com.ar
Argentine Seed Producers Association (ASA)
Contact: Juan Roque Erdmann,
Phone: +54 11 4516-0070
E-mail: juanerdmann@asa.org.ar
3/4/2008