Alquería, Nestlé, Yara Colombia and IDH join forces to promote sustainable livestock farming in Colombia

The initiative aims to positively impact more than 100 smallholder dairy farmers in Cesar in its first phase, promoting better grazing practices and providing them with tools and technical assistance to boost their competitiveness.

Specifically, for the north and south of the department, it is expected that the coordinated effort of the three companies and the articulation of IDH will result in the transfer of knowledge and technology, the development of skills that increase milk production, an increase in family income, the training of new generations, and the generation of an awareness that promotes the sustainability and social progress of the communities.

Milk production in Colombia is characterized, among other aspects, by the great opportunity to improve productivity. This situation is particularly important in Cesar, the main basin for milk production in the lower tropics. In this sense, the actions carried out by the coalition in this area will be essential to improve the competitiveness of producers.

For Daniela Mariuzzo, director of IDH's LATAM landscapes program, "this Alliance is the beginning to contribute to the implementation of a sustainable model in Cesar, but also in Colombia, and shows that all organizations can come together and coordinate to improve the conditions of a territory and a supply chain. From the AgroColombia Productive and Sustainable Initiative, led by the IDH, we have ensured that these spaces of articulation are effectively reflected in actions in the territory. Today we consolidate this alliance with large companies in the sector at a national level such as Alquería, Nestlé and YARA to strengthen the sustainable milk production model, which we are sure will mark a great milestone for the region and the dairy sector in the country."

"Laying the foundations for building in the long term will always be definitive, as Nestlé's purpose preaches: 'We harness the full power of food to improve the quality of life today, and for future generations.' Thanks to this articulation with IDH, we will be able to work together to promote good milk production practices in Cesar. We want to provide tools to make livestock production chains in Colombia more sustainable" Antonio Núñez, president of Nestlé Colombia.

Andrés Useche, Commercial Director for the Andean Region of Yara Colombia, stated "The Colombian countryside faces several challenges, such as increasing food production and quality, making efficient use of water, and reducing ammonia emissions. With this project we seek to contribute to these challenges and support César milk producers with better agricultural practices that allow them to be efficient, productive, profitable and sustainable. Working together with the food chain is a great step for agriculture in the country, we are convinced that collaborative work will lead us to the development of the countryside and sustainable agriculture"

Finally, for Carlos Enrique Cavelier, president and coordinator of Sueños de Alquería, the contribution of the private sector is essential for the development of Colombia's agriculture. "As companies and organizations, we have the mission of being facilitators of the consolidation of small producers, helping them to fulfill their life project and achieve their goals. We are at a fundamental moment, in which we have to contribute all the resources and capabilities we have in our hands to promote reactivation and productivity," said the executive.

The project began on January 1, 2021 and is expected to impact more than 100 farmers throughout the country in the coming years.