Richard Sander's Bold Move to Save Conaprole Rivera

Sander, who cancelled a meeting with President Yamandú Orsi to prioritize this matter, stated that the plant’s closure would be a "mistake." He stressed that a longer timeline is necessary to foster meaningful dialogue and find concrete solutions. As a mediating force, he expressed readiness to engage with all necessary parties to protect jobs in a province already grappling with high rates of informality.

The debate centers around the plant's viability, as Conaprole cites low milk intake and declining fresh milk consumption among reasons for closure, coupled with the need for expensive upgrades. In response, Sander proposed diversifying production and encouraging local consumption through schools and social institutions, thus boosting demand for the plant’s products.

Sander’s advocacy for the "dairy crisis" highlights its importance as a social and economic issue, transcending a mere business decision. Extending the closure date may provide critical time for all stakeholders to collaborate on a strategy that preserves jobs and the industrial legacy of Uruguay’s border region with Brazil.