Livestock

Livestock farming is critical to the region and is an essential source of protein in the population's food security.

Livestock farming has experienced enormous growth over the last few decades, especially in the Southern Cone, as a result of increasing global demand. This accelerated growth has allowed Latin America to become the largest beef and poultry exporter in the world. It contributes around 45 per cent to the region's agricultural GDP.

Nevertheless, this growth requires a focus on sustainability to avoid growing stress on the region's natural resources and the environment.

FAO works to improve efficiency in livestock production, restore degraded pastures and create strategies for sustainable development, including the integration of crop-livestock and agro-forestry systems to combat climate change.

Topics

No-till farming of crops in degraded pastures and implementation of integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems for sustainable livestock farming.

La producción pecuaria familiar juega un rol importante para dar solución al problema del hambre en la región, ya que genera una parte importante de los alimentos necesarios para el mercado interno de los países de América Latina y el Caribe.

FAO seeks to reduce damages caused by animal-borne diseases and promote safe and healthy trade.