Colombia plans to transform its beef production chain

According to the Information System for Rural and Agricultural Planning (SIPRA), the country has 27.1 million hectares suitable for beef grazing, equivalent to 69.2% of the national agricultural frontier. The regions of Meta, Casanare, Antioquia, and Córdoba account for 37.7% of this area.

To forecast the long-term development of the sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA) presented the Production Management Plan (POP) for the beef production chain. This public policy instrument was developed with the participation of public and private stakeholders and defines the country's main commitments in this area for the next 20 years.

"The presence of the Beef Production Management Plan is a structural achievement for the country. This roadmap allows us to plan the territory with a focus on production, close the gaps in rural Colombia, and design a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable livestock production chain," stated Dora Inés Rey, DIRECTOR of UPRA.

The POP forecasts a 78% increase in total beef production—from 900,000 to 1.6 million tonnes of carcass equivalent. This goal will be supported by sustainable livestock farming practices, more efficient pasture management, and the adoption of technology.

In terms of throughput, the goal is to achieve 1.5 heads per hectare. Annual productivity per hectare is expected to increase from 36 to 70 kilograms of livestock, and daily weight gain per animal could reach 570 grams, an increase of 220 grams compared to the current level.

Regarding the environment, the plan aims to reduce the sector's water requirements. Pasture irrigation should account for a maximum of 35% of the agricultural sector's blue water footprint, while the green footprint will remain at approximately 72%. For the cattle processing process, it is proposed to reduce water consumption by 60% through technological improvements.
Regarding social and financial components, the POP sets labor formalization goals. It is projected that 100% of primary sector workers will be connected to the HEALTH care system, 32% will be covered by the contributory system, 19% will be covered by pensions, and 18% will be covered by occupational hazards. It is also proposed to reduce the informality of livestock land ownership to 30%.
Regarding access to finance, it is expected that 30% of total agricultural loans will be directed to this sector. A higher share of working capital is expected, equivalent to 35% of livestock GDP, and greater participation by foreign investment, private funds, and investment banks, which together will represent 35% of production activity.

The plan also aims to formalise chilled MEAT marketing by up to 90%, with processors and marketers fully integrated into a more efficient and clearly defined chain.