Regenerative cattle farming in Latin America and the Caribbean, far beyond the oxymoron

Abstracts

Abstract  Latin America and the Caribbean offer the most favorable natural and social conditions for the emergence of livestock farming that regenerates and maintains the ecosystem services on which life depends, is energy efficient and contributes to meeting fundamental human food needs. The region accounts for 44% of global beef exports. As demand for beef is unlikely to grow explosively, the adoption of regenerative methods of cattle farming, which aim to minimize environmental destruction and methane emissions, is becoming increasingly urgent. The concept of regenerative beef farming may be viable and is based on three main dimensions: animal welfare, improved biodiversity and human health. The region is particularly characterized by pasture-based cattle farming and is predominantly carried out on family farms. Moderate intensification can promote innovation, reduce the area occupied by livestock farming and mitigate its socio-environmental impacts, promoting a more sustainable model of beef production.

Keywords:
animal welfare; deforestation; moderate intensification; pastures; cattle farming