Expo Pioneros: Mennonites and Agricultural Innovation in Paraguay’s Chaco

By Alexandra Allover | June 3, 2025

This article was originally published as “Expo Pioneros 2025: Agricultural Innovation in the Heart of the Chaco” on June 2, 2025 in The Asuncion Times by Alexandra Allover.

Loma Plata, Chaco — As the dust settles on Expo Pioneros 2025, Paraguay’s Gran Chaco once again proves itself a powerhouse of agricultural innovation and business.

Over four days, from May 28 to 31, crowds moved across the expansive fairgrounds just outside Loma Plata, with this year’s edition likely drawing more than 15,000 visitors.

Since its debut in 2018, the annual Expo Pioneros has become the most important gathering in the region for producers, entrepreneurs, and technology providers.

From Mennonite roots to multicultural growth

Originally known for Mennonite agriculture, the Chaco today reflects a vibrant mix of cultures drawn to the land and its possibilities. More than 1,000 exhibitors from 200 companies offer first-hand insights, practical advice, and direct interaction with visitors. Attendees choose from dozens of seminars—in Spanish, German, and English—covering everything from nutrition and agricultural technology to livestock health.

A unified effort to showcase Chaco’s potential

Expo Pioneros is a joint initiative by Pioneros del Chaco S.A. and Fundación Ideagro, uniting the Chortitzer, Fernheim, and Neuland cooperatives with private investors. Together, they present the full spectrum of agricultural production across Paraguay and the Gran Chaco. More than a farming exhibition, it combines cutting-edge machinery, hands-on training, and opportunities for networking.

This year’s key themes included:

Agricultural technology – live drone flights, harvester demos, and precision systems.
Livestock & dairy – cattle judging, auctions, poultry and fish farming, and dairy innovations.
Sustainable horticulture – organic crops, water-saving practices, beekeeping, and educational talks.

Advancements for everyday life

Expo Pioneros doesn’t only speak to large-scale producers. The fair also brings practical solutions for everyday life, such as robotic lawn mowers, modern home construction materials, property consulting, and more.

With a strong focus on sustainability and the future of the Gran Chaco, Expo Pioneros continues to position the region as a forward-looking hub of agriculture and enterprise.

As the 2025 edition comes to a close, anticipation is already growing for next year’s fair—promising even more innovation at the heart of the Chaco. Learn more here: https://expopioneros.com

If a life in Paraguay sounds interesting to you, feel free to schedule a free call with Paul or me to learn how we do it.