At Expoagro 2026, the premier agribusiness exhibition in the region, political scientist and international speaker Nancy Clara took part in a transformative summit focused on the future of Argentina’s non-traditional exports. Invited by the Argentine Rural Women’s Group through cattle industry leader María Inés Macchi, Clara presented her strategic manual "Step by Step: How to Do Business with the USA" to a coalition of agribusiness leaders, including Vanesa Padullés (CONINAGRO Córdoba), Ana Laura Sayago, Carolina Bruzzese, Chechu Giorgi, and María José De Lazzer. The session was described as "enlightening and transformative" by attendees and aimed to professionalize regional industries through elite technical consulting.
The summit coincided with a landmark trade agreement recently signed between Argentina and the United States, creating a historic window of opportunity for local producers. Clara’s manual, which offers a practical guide on regulations, business culture, and risk mitigation for SMEs and professionals, was formally presented to Senator Patricia Bullrich during an institutional meeting coordinated by Dr. Luis Farji of the National Senate. Senator Bullrich emphasized the manual's importance, stating, "Receiving this manual from Nancy Clara is essential at this exact moment. We are in an unprecedented stage of engagement with the United States. With the recent trade agreement, 'Step by Step' becomes the definitive tool our entrepreneurs and producers need to turn export potential into a successful and lasting reality." Clara also engaged in dialogue with Guillermo Francos, analyzing logistics challenges and the comparative advantages of Argentine business amid the nation’s economic restructuring.
The day placed special emphasis on the Rural Women’s Network, a collective dedicated to empowering and professionalizing female talent across the agricultural value chain. Leaders such as María Inés Macchi participated actively, reinforcing that technical expertise is the definitive bridge to global competitiveness. Ana Laura Sayago highlighted the network’s impact: "Our mission is to democratize knowledge nationwide. We want every producer, from Santiago del Estero to Patagonia, to have a proven roadmap to reach American shelves." Vanesa Padullés added, "The specialized advisory we provide through our network is the differentiator between success and risk. At events like Expoagro, our goal is to scale our regional industries and reach even more women."
In her closing remarks, Clara reflected on the summit’s impact: "I am deeply grateful for the invitation from this group of courageous and hardworking women. My goal is for Argentine talent to stop viewing the U.S. as a distant, unreachable market. This is the moment for regional industries; with methodology, resilience, and the right guidance, the quality of our products can successfully compete in any state across the Union." The manual "Step by Step" has established itself as the definitive handbook for SMEs and professionals seeking to expand into the U.S., providing a practical guide on regulations, business culture, and risk mitigation.
The summit not only celebrated the vital role of women in the field but also established itself as a strategic platform to professionalize regional industries through elite technical consulting. With the new trade agreement, the insights and tools shared at Expoagro 2026 are poised to help Argentine producers turn export potential into lasting success in the U.S. market.
