Ecuador's Agriculture Minister Resigns, Vows to Continue Doing What's Right

Juan Carlos Vega has stepped down as Ecuador's Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, marking his departure from public service after a second stint in a ministerial role. His resignation, formally submitted on July 31, 2026, was addressed to President Daniel Noboa Azín.

Vega, who also served as Minister of Economy and Finance during Noboa's first term, highlighted his background in economics and finance, as well as his lifelong connection to agriculture as an agronomist, farmer, and rancher. He noted that in his more than 250 days as agriculture minister, he had the opportunity to travel across Ecuador's rural regions, including the Coast, Highlands, Amazon, and Galapagos, to listen to the needs of the agricultural sector.

In a message posted on his X account on August 1, 2026, Vega conveyed that he does not believe in goodbyes but in the continuity of purpose. He stated that he left the Ministry of Economy and Finance with a clear conscience and now bids farewell to the Ministry of Agriculture, but his conviction remains unwavering: to do what is right, even when it is most difficult. He also shared a quote from President Noboa: "The history of Ecuador will not write itself. We write it."

Vega's next stop is Cuenca, a city he dedicated his message to, concluding with "Cuenca, for you, everything."