Facultad de Agronomía

Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Montevideo, the Facultad de Agronomía stands as a testament to Uruguay’s agricultural heritage. The Facultad de Agronomía isn’t just a building. It’s a living, breathing organism, deeply rooted in the earth it studies. Established on September 15, 1906, by President José Batlle y Ordóñez, the Facultad de Agronomía has been cultivating knowledge and expertise for over a century. The university’s foundation stone was laid in 1907 at the site of the former Quinta Pereira, a sprawling 76-hectare estate in Sayago. The building itself, designed by architect Américo Maini, opened its doors to a modest class of 24 students in 1909. Can you imagine the excitement and anticipation of those first students as they embarked on their agricultural journeys? The Facultad de Agronomía, part of the esteemed Universidad de la República, offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Aspiring agricultural engineers dedicate five years and 4,000 hours to their craft. Food engineers follow a similar path, while those drawn to the world of wine pursue a four-year Licenciatura in Viticulture and Enology. Landscape design enthusiasts also find their place here. Over the years, the Facultad de Agronomía has grown and adapted. In 1991, the university sold 64 hectares of the Sayago property and established the “Centro Regional Sur” on land formerly occupied by the Comargen meatpacking plant. This strategic move allowed for the expansion of activities related to farming. Today, the Facultad de Agronomía extends its reach beyond Montevideo, boasting four experimental stations across Uruguay: Centro Regional Sur (CRS) in Canelones, Estación Experimental “Dr. Mario A. Cassinoni” (EEMAC) in Paysandú, Estación Experimental Facultad de Agronomía Salto (EEFAS) in Salto, and Estación Experimental Bernardo Rosengurtt (EEBR) in Cerro Largo. These stations serve as vital hubs for research, outreach, and hands-on learning for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Within the main building in Montevideo, you’ll find the Bernardo Rosengurtt Herbarium, named after the renowned Uruguayan botanist. This remarkable collection houses approximately 90,000 plant specimens, each one a tiny piece of Uruguay’s natural history. Founded in 1908, the herbarium serves as a valuable resource for researchers and students alike. The Facultad de Agronomía is more than just an educational institution; it’s a symbol of Uruguay’s commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability. It’s a place where the past meets the future, where tradition intertwines with technology. As you stand before this grand institution, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and the vital role it continues to play in shaping Uruguay’s agricultural landscape.