Latin America Discusses Sustainable Livestock at Regional Meeting

Latin America and the Caribbean play a key role in global food security and livestock production, accounting for 15% of the world’s animal production while hosting only 8.5% of its population, according to FAO. This positions the region strategically in the transformation of agrifood systems. The 17th Meeting of the Commission on Livestock Development for Latin America and the Caribbean (CODEGALAC) began this week in Guatemala, serving as a regional platform for dialogue and technical cooperation on sustainable livestock development. 

The event was inaugurated by María Fernanda Rivera, Guatemala’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food, and brought together representatives from 16 countries, the private sector, international organizations, and civil society.

This year, Guatemala assumes the presidency of CODEGALAC, positioning itself as a regional leader and opening opportunities for the livestock sector to further develop as a pillar of rural economies and food security. “This space is an opportunity to build new alliances and consolidate common agendas. With a shared vision, technical commitment, and bold decisions, we can create a livestock future aligned with 21st-century challenges and the dignity of the people in our region,” Rivera said.

Rafael Zavala, FAO Representative in Guatemala highlighted CODEGALAC’s role as a platform for advancing toward a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive livestock sector. “Here, countries build consensus and share evidence-based technical and policy solutions. FAO reaffirms its commitment to supporting countries with technical tools, specialized analysis, cooperation platforms, and policy frameworks that offer new opportunities for producers in Latin America and the Caribbean,” he said.

The agenda for this edition of CODEGALAC includes topics such as animal health, innovation, public policy, governance, financing, and the sustainable transformation of the livestock sector. FAO projects that global demand for animal protein will increase by 20% by 2050, driven by population growth, rising incomes, and urbanization. This trend highlights the need to transform livestock systems to make them more efficient, resilient, and sustainable.

Technical sessions, led by authorities from participating countries, will run through Friday, July 18. For the first time, the event will also host the Sustainable Livestock Investment Forum. This new platform aims to connect technical solutions, public policies, and financial resources to promote impactful interventions across the region.