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The fundamental purpose of the Directorate General of Food Safety Control (DIGECIA), set up in 2015, is to coordinate and implement policies on biodiversity and on animal health and phytosanitary control, (…) The DIGECIA is also charged with incorporating risk analysis in biosecurity, (...) The DIGECIA is responsible for coordination with other entities on sanitary barriers, food safety and living genetically modified organisms.

3.130. The National Biosafety Board (GNBio) is responsible for regulating genetically modified plant organisms (GMPOs) and coordinates risk assessment. Genetically modified plants and parts thereof, in whatever form, may only be introduced, used or handled with prior authorization, granted by the Board on a case by case basis, taking into account the results of the corresponding stages of risk assessment and risk management in respect of the environment, biodiversity, (...) The procedure for requesting authorization to introduce, use or handle genetically modified plant organisms and a list of GMPO applications currently being examined in Uruguay can be viewed online. [107]

[107] Request for authorization. Online information viewed at: http://www2.mgap.gub.uy/portal/page.aspx?2,gnbio,gnbio-procedimientos-de-solicitud-de-autorizacion,O,es,0. List of applications currently under examination. Online information viewed at: http://www2.mgap.gub.uy/portal/page.aspx?2,gnbio,gnbio-ogms-autorizados-en-uruguay,O,es,0.

(...) The entry into Uruguay of products of animal or plant origin or animal feed containing levels of (...) or other environmental pollutants exceeding those prescribed in the national regulations or in the Codex Alimentarius, as appropriate, may be prohibited. Exports of such products may also be controlled and prohibited for the same reasons, or if they do not comply with the standards required by the countries of destination.

The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) is responsible for drawing up and implementing policies for the development of the agricultural, agro industrial and fisheries sectors in order to: (…) improve the country's sanitary situation; promote the sustainable use and management of natural resources; (...) The MGAP also formulates and implements forestry policy, where the prime objective is sustainable forestry management through the improvement, extension and creation of forestry resources and the development of forest industries.

Table 4.2 Institutions responsible for formulating and implementing agricultural policy
Institution Function
Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP)
(…)
Directorate General of Farms (DIGEGRA) (…) implements policies to improve living conditions on farms through training and utilization of production methods and care for the conservation of natural resources.
Directorate General of Rural Development (DGDR) Draws up integrated rural development policies based on a sustainable and inclusive production model.
Directorate General of Forestry Promotes the development of forestry industry and sustainable forestry management.
(...)
Specialized institutions
National Meat Institute (INAC) Draws up policies/activities for the sustainable development of the meat complex; (...)
(...)
Uruguayan Wool Secretariat (SUL) (...) promotes the sustainable development of the sheep sector, research, use of technology in the sector and training; (...)

The Policy Guidelines of the Institutional Framework for Agriculture 2015 2019, prepared by the MGAP, establish agricultural policy in Uruguay. In general, the MGAP's strategy is aimed at improving agricultural and agro industrial competitiveness in order to achieve sustainable development, taking into account social integration and environmental conservation. (...) It also aims to implement practices that ensure sustainability in soil use and management in production chains, as well as to improve water management and increase the agricultural area under irrigation.

(...) Uruguay also grants tax exemptions for certain specific activities. Thus, the exploitation of forests classed as protective (aimed at protecting the soil, water and other renewable natural resources) under the Forestry Law may be eligible for exemptions from national taxes such as the IRAE and departmental taxes such as the rural housing contribution. In the case of production woodlands (plantations for wood pulp or sawn wood), exemption from the IRAE is available only for the production of quality wood.

Uruguay notified the WTO that domestic support provided to agriculture during 2012 2015 included: (…) and environmental programmes. (…)

In 2016 (latest data), hydraulic power continued to be the main source of electricity generation in the country, accounting for 39% of the total, followed by wind (31%), thermal (17%), biomass (11%) and solar energy (2%). During the review period, diversification of energy sources began in an attempt to generate more renewable energy (wind and solar); electricity generation from solar energy began in 2014

Historically, Uruguay has been a net importer of electricity. However, in recent years domestic production has posted surpluses, partly thanks to investment in wind farms. (…)