Gardening in Uruguay

Carrotsbetter

14 November 2012 01:30:34

Hello! Considering moving to Uruguay, and would want to have a garden to small-scale farm with flowers, fruits, and vegetables there. If possible, we might even like to take cuttings or seedlings of some of our own plants to begin growing there.

Can anyone tell me about customs procedures and import restrictions to Uruguay regarding seeds, whole plants, and species?
If there is an official resource detailing what's permitted and what's not, I would love to see, even if it's available only in Spanish! I will be able to read it, I'm just having trouble finding it.

Also, to all you gardeners and farmers in Uruguay, especially if you originally come from the Northern hemisphere: what are you growing? Are there any plants you used to grow that you can't have anymore? What kinds of things grow better in Uruguay than where you were before? Do you have experience growing anything special to / endemic to Uruguay? How are the soil and pest situations?

Anyone growing mate?

Thanks!
C

janway

10 December 2012 22:32:15

Atlantida

Here is a list of prohibited items from the Uruguayan customs regulations. Everything is now scanned at customs.

Prohibited

• Narcotics
• Alkaloids
• Pornography
• Subversive material
• Counterfeit items
• Cultural artefacts and other objects of cultural importance
• Explosive and flammable material
• Plants and any parts or products thereof
• Fruits and vegetables
• Soil, seeds (items with vegetables and seeds i.e. bracelets etc.)and flowers and parts thereof
• Animal feed and other veterinary related products (biological or chemical)
• Trees any parts or products thereof
• Fresh dairy products like cream, milk etc. (excepts long life milk)
• Birds
• Bees and honey
• Meat of any kind

You can order seeds by mail from normal mail order companies and if repackaged by family in small quantities and sent by regular mail will probably not incur customs duties.
If you bring things with you, as long as you don't stop in Chile you will probably be OK bringing small quantities of seeds in original packages. Chile is very strict and will confiscate any seeds, nuts, food etc. found in your luggage.

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