The government of Ecuador has introduced a new state policy dubbed 'Hands for the Field' for the agricultural sector, covering the years 2025 to 2034. This initiative is framed as a roadmap to foster sustainable agricultural practices through the integration of innovation, research, and technology. The primary objective of this policy is to ensure food security and sovereignty while enhancing the agricultural sector's strategic importance within the country's economy.

Led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, this initiative benefits from technical support provided by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in Ecuador. Minister Juan Carlos Vega highlighted that the policy is a comprehensive document addressing critical issues, including agricultural education, funding, and market access. He emphasized that the policy construction involved collaboration not just from the government and ministry, but from all food producers, aiming to develop a robust framework that adequately supports those in the agricultural field from various fronts.

This new agricultural policy signifies a shift toward a more inclusive approach to farming in Ecuador, marking an essential step in addressing persistent challenges faced by the sector. It aims to pave the way for the cultivation and production of food that aligns with both local needs and broader economic strategies, potentially impacting the livelihoods of countless farmers across the nation. Furthermore, by prioritizing sustainability, the policy seeks to align agricultural practices with environmental considerations, which is crucial in today’s context of climate change and resource management.