Opportunities to Reduce Emissions and Support Sustainable Livestock Production in Paraguay

On August 19–20, 2025, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Paraguay (MADES), in partnership with the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) and with support from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), hosted a regional workshop in Asunción to discuss opportunities to reduce emissions from the livestock sector and support more sustainable production systems. 

The event gathered approximately 40 participants, primarily from Paraguay, alongside invited representatives from Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. International organizations, financial institutions, and producer associations also took part, reflecting the growing momentum across the region to strengthen cooperation on sustainable livestock.

Paraguay’s Livestock Sector: Strengths and Challenges

Paraguay has a robust livestock sector, with over 13.5 million head of cattle, 128,000 producers, and more than 300,000 people employed across 16 million hectares of pasture. Institutions such as the Rural Association of Paraguay (ARP), Federación de Cooperativas de Producción (Fecoprod), Asociación de Productores de Agua Dulce (APAD), and the Paraguayan Sustainable Meat Roundtable have driven genetic improvements, traceability systems, and sustainability initiatives, making Paraguay a competitive global exporter. 

Yet the sector also faces economic and environmental challenges. Innovation, stronger policies, and regional cooperation are needed to ensure livestock production can grow while reducing emissions and environmental impacts.

What We Heard at the Workshop

The conversations reflected both Paraguay’s leadership potential and the importance of regional collaboration. 

Rolando de Barros (MADES Minister) opened by stressing Paraguay’s opportunity to build low-emission, sustainable livestock systems through closer cooperation across sectors and borders.

Luisa Lema Vélez (Inter-American Development Bank) shared results from Construyendo un Enfoque Regional de Ganadería Bovina Sostenible, pointing to the need for locally generated science to strengthen inventories and scale solutions.

Bruno Brasil (Brazil Ministry of Agriculture) highlighted Brazil’s ABC+ Plan and roadmap to COP30, framing Brazil’s role in global discussions on low-emissions livestock.

Julieta Batistuzzi (Argentina Ministry of Agriculture) outlined Argentina’s efforts to integrate livestock sustainability into policy and improve emissions inventories. 
Santiago Fariña (Global Methane Hub) spoke about “triple win solutions”, boosting productivity, cutting emissions, and raising farmer incomes.

Representatives from Crédito Agrícola de Habilitación, the Paraguayan Development Bank, and the World Bank noted the progress in financial products for low-emissions livestock, while also flagging the need for better terms: longer grace periods, lower interest rates, and stronger guarantees.

Irene Wasilevsky (Senior Agriculture Economist, World Bank) also participated online and delivered a presentation on financing opportunities for Paraguay.

From the farmer’s side, Calixto Saguier (ARP) urged policies that reflect the diversity of livestock systems in Paraguay, backed by training, extension, research, and finance.

Lilian Portillo (MADES) emphasized the role of policy in enabling new income opportunities and the value of workshops like this to bring stakeholders together.

Research, Collaboration, and Farmer Innovation

Several presentations focused on regional collaboration and applied research. Elly Navajas (INIA Uruguay/PROCISUR) spoke on cross-country research networks, while Nicolás Costa (Global Research Alliance) highlighted supported projects across Latin America. Pablo Cañada (CREA Argentina) described a CATF-funded project that will inform Argentina’s next steps, and Diego Ocampos (UNA University, Paraguay) emphasized the role of traceability in strengthening the country’s livestock sector. 

Farmer leadership was also showcased. Candice Muxfeldt, a Paraguayan beef producer and APAD member, shared her success in sustainably increasing productivity, raising her stocking rate from 0.7 to 3.5 animal units per hectare by rationally managing her herd. Her experience illustrated how efficiency and sustainability can go hand in hand, reducing the need for land expansion while improving profitability.

Field Visit: From Discussion to Practice

On August 20, participants visited Ganadera Arandu farm, where they observed practical measures to sustainably increase livestock productivity, including rotational grazing, balanced diets, and improved genetics. Martín Mongelos (De Raíz) led discussions on opportunities and gaps for scaling sustainable livestock practices in Paraguay. The visit emphasized the importance of aligning efforts across government, producers, academia, and civil society, while working with neighboring countries to accelerate the transition to low-emissions livestock.

Looking Ahead

The workshop strengthened Paraguay’s position as a leader in sustainable livestock in the Southern Cone. Outcomes included a clearer picture of the country’s challenges and opportunities, stronger regional ties, new avenues for applied research, and deeper recognition of farmer perspectives. 

CATF and MADES, with support from the CCAC, will compile a summary report to capture the discussions and recommendations, which will guide continued collaboration within Paraguay and across the region. With strong partnerships and commitment, Paraguay is poised to advance a livestock sector that is both productive and low-emission, setting an example for others to follow.