By 2050, a 60% increase of food production will be required, with only a 12% increase in arable land. Considering the social and demographic implications for agricultural producers, finding solutions to include them in production chains is a must. Latin America and the Caribbean region is the largest net exporter of food worldwide. Furthermore, the region has a third of the … [Read more...] about Why is social inclusion good for agribusiness?
agriculture
Why is there growing demand for Central American cocoa?
In pre-Columbian times, cocoa was a commodity so valuable it was used as a currency. In Mesoamerica, where it has been consumed for millennia, the Aztecs paid for everyday items in cocoa beans. Three would buy you a turkey egg, one hundred a whole hen. … [Read more...] about Why is there growing demand for Central American cocoa?
How cattle ranchers can profit from planting trees
In agriculture it’s not often that you find a relatively simple way to increase production by up to 20%. Planting trees turns out to be one such way for cattle farmers. Cows like shade and grow much faster if they graze on pastures dotted with trees. Studies show that combining livestock herding and forestry on the same stretch of land can lead to an 8% to 20% increase in dairy … [Read more...] about How cattle ranchers can profit from planting trees
Four Ways to Get the Most out of Palm Oil in Latin America and the Caribbean
What do soap, Ben and Jerry’s, and KitKat bars have in common? They all contain palm oil, an oil produced by the oil palm tree. Indonesia and Malaysia produce the vast majority of the world’s supply and have experienced significant environmental consequences as a result. Now the crop’s profitability is attracting interest in other tropical climates, including Latin America and … [Read more...] about Four Ways to Get the Most out of Palm Oil in Latin America and the Caribbean
Six Takeaways on the Growth of Palm Oil in Latin America
As I have noted before in this space, there are a number of risks and opportunities associated with palm oil. Among other negative impacts, expansion of palm oil plantations drives deforestation in many tropical countries, resulting in enormous carbon emissions. However, palm oil’s high productivity makes it a profitable investment and it has the potential to bring wealth and … [Read more...] about Six Takeaways on the Growth of Palm Oil in Latin America