Basterra also served as vice-president of the National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA) from 2009 to 2011 and as Minister of Production of Formosa Province from 2003 to 2009 in the administration of Governor Gildo Insfrán.

[5] From 13 October 2009 to 10 December 2011 Basterra served as vice president of the National Agricultural Technology Institute of Argentina (INTA).

[9] Shortly after taking office he was elected by the FPV majority to preside over the Agriculture Commission in the lower chamber of Congress.

[1] On 10 December 2019, Basterra was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries by President Alberto Fernández as part of the new cabinet of Argentina, succeeding Luis Miguel Etchevehere.

[1][5] Following the government's poor showings in the 2021 legislative primary elections, Basterra was replaced by Julián Domínguez as part of a cabinet reshuffle.