Asuncion, IP Agency.- In a context where sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial, Paraguayan cattle ranchers face the challenge of understanding and taking advantage of the environmental services market. Manuel Gómez Viva, representative of the Federation of Cattle Ranchers of Colombia (Fedegan) and an expert in sustainability, offered recommendations for cattle ranchers to integrate sustainable and profitable practices in their operations, in an exclusive interview with our media.
In the framework of Expo 2024, the interviewee visited our country to participate in the discussion on “Sustainable or Regenerative Livestock Farming”. During his speech, he highlighted the lessons and results of the Colombian experience in the implementation of sustainable and regenerative livestock farming practices.
Manuel Gómez Viva explained that Paraguayan ranchers must first have a good understanding of the environmental services market, since this knowledge is crucial to establishing clear expectations on how to monetize these services, whether they are carbon, biodiversity or gender-related, known as purple bonds. “The first recommendation or suggestion is to understand the market very well,” emphasizes Gómez Viva, indicating that ranchers must understand what they are willing to offer and what demands there are.
The interviewee stressed that it is essential to understand that livestock farming, although it emits carbon, also captures a significant amount of this element. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balance between what is emitted and what is captured on farms, with grasses, legumes and roots. “It is important to know this balance and understand the market a little,” he said. In addition, he stressed that the carbon market is a perfect market of supply and demand, where prices can vary, but with clear strategies and knowledge of the market, clear expectations of operation can be established.
The Colombian representative recommended strengthening human talent as the most important lesson learned in his country. Rural extension work with people from the region, who maintain frank dialogues with cattle farmers, is essential. He also mentioned the importance of demonstration farms as green classrooms where sustainable practices are represented and observed. However, he stressed that sustainable livestock farming cannot be achieved only with cattle farmers; collaboration from the financial sector, the state sector, international cooperation and trade associations is necessary.
To find sustainable solutions, Gómez Viva stresses the importance of transparency in dialogues between the various sectors. Although there may be differences, he explains that clear and open communication can facilitate understanding of the different concepts of sustainability. These concepts must focus on fair trade and environmentally friendly production, always relying on science to support decisions.
Developing effective dialogues requires identifying the actors involved, including producers and policy makers, and addressing crucial issues such as infrastructure development and a robust financial system. The sustainability expert highlighted that sustainable livestock farming is a continuous process that requires proper alignment between the financial part, infrastructure and knowledge.
Finally, the interviewee suggested that Paraguayan cattle breeders can take advantage of their unique attributes, such as genetic quality and distinctive soils, to develop socio-environmental sustainability seals for Paraguayan beef. “It has spectacular beef, with very good genetics and unique pastoral attributes,” he said, recommending that these attributes be expressed and displayed to better position themselves in the global market.
Gómez Viva concluded by observing that sustainable livestock farming involves not only the adoption of silvopastoral systems, but also the conservation of forests, strategic ecosystems and biodiversity. In addition, he highlighted the importance of the socioeconomic dimension, productivity and governance, understood as frank dialogues between the public and private sectors to strengthen economic, environmental and social standards in livestock farming.
Sustainable livestock farming in Paraguay presents a unique opportunity to combine profitability and environmental conservation. Livestock farmers can move towards a greener and fairer future by leveraging their natural and genetic strengths to excel in the global environmental services market.
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2024-07-22 15:08:45
