Roberto Buser, a representative from Coninagro in the National Registry of Rural Workers and Employers (Renatre), has raised concerns about the deregulation of the National Institute of Yerba Mate (INYM), stating that it has further deepened the existing crisis in the yerba mate sector. He highlighted that the removal of reference prices has diminished the bargaining power of producers and has led to increased market concentration.

Buser pointed to significant changes that began in December 2023, following the election of President Javier Milei and the implementation of Decree 70/2023, marking a critical juncture for the yerba mate industry. He criticized the dismantling of key functions of the INYM, which was instrumental in regulating the market and supporting local producers, and warned that the implications of these changes could be dire for the livelihood of many workers in the sector.

As the yerba mate sector grapples with these challenges, Buser's remarks underscore the urgent need for re-evaluating the regulatory framework to support producers and stabilize the market. The shift towards a less regulated environment has raised alarms amongst industry stakeholders, who fear that it could lead to a decline in production levels, employment, and overall economic stability in regions dependent on yerba mate cultivation.