Colombia | Sowing the future: Agricultural sector - Palm Oil Report Summary

Summary

The country benefits from strategic location and high productivity, enabling exponential growth of this crop over recent decades. As the world's fourth-largest producer and the leading producer in the Americas, Colombia's potential paves the way for consolidation in new markets.

Key points

• Key points:
• This crop stands out for its versatility, with applications across multiple productive sectors. In the food industry, it is used for producing oils, ice cream, and confectionery, while in the industrial sector, it is employed in manufacturing cosmetics, soaps, paints, and even biofuels.
• Palm oil is the highest-yielding oilseed crop per hectare, significantly outperforming its counterparts. While other oilseeds produce an average of 0.6 tons of oil per hectare, palm oil yields 2.6 tons, a productivity advantage of over four times. Cultivated in tropical regions, Colombia is strategically positioned for competitive global production.
• Globally, the unchecked expansion of palm oil cultivation has been linked to deforestation, particularly in Asia. However, Colombia has implemented mechanisms to promote sustainable practices. By 2023, approximately 35% of cultivated land and 30% of national production were certified for sustainability.
• Palm oil emerges as a key resource in a global context demanding more sustainable production methods. Its potential to contribute to the energy transition through biofuel production, alongside its integration into circular economy initiatives, positions it as a strategic investment for sustainable development.
• Research and development are critical to mitigating the latent sanitary risks in the sector. Combined with the implementation of sustainable measures, these efforts will drive rural development and strengthen Colombia's position in global trade.

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