A federal judge in Río Gallegos ruled against the Argentine government's attempt to allow the import of bone-in beef into Santa Cruz, declaring the measure invalid due to the region's disease-free status.
In a significant ruling that challenges the Argentine government's strategies to modify health regulations in Patagonia, Judge Claudio Marcelo Vázquez of the Federal Court in Río Gallegos declared invalid a resolution by Senasa (the National Service of Animal Health and Quality) that permitted the entry of bone-in beef from regions vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease. This decision was a result of a legal action brought by the Federation of Agricultural Institutions of Santa Cruz (FIAS), emphasizing the importance of maintaining the region's disease-free status without vaccination. The ruling not only nullified the government’s plan, but it also set a strong precedent in favor of local agricultural interests and health standards.
The resolution in question, signed by former Senasa head Pablo Cortese in June 2025, aimed to lift a long-standing phytosanitary barrier that protected the local meat market from potentially infected products. The judge's ruling underscores the ongoing tensions between national health policies and regional interests, particularly regarding food safety and agricultural practices in a region known for its commitment to maintaining a disease-free livestock sector. The implications of this decision could lead to further legal challenges against similar national policies perceived as harmful to local agriculture.
Ultimately, this judgment represents a pivotal moment in the relationship between local agricultural stakeholders and federal health authorities, highlighting the significance of regional health standards in light of national policies. As the Patagonia region fights to uphold its disease-free status, this ruling could act as a catalyst for more stringent local regulations against future attempts by the national government to relax health standards for meat imports.
