Research Articles Sustainability, inclusion, and conservation: GANSO and its commitment to livestock farming
GANSO Technical Services, is an organization founded in 2018 by Climate Focus and CIAT's Tropical Forages Program, is pioneering sustainable livestock management in Colombia to meet new environmental, economic, and social demands. Through its innovative and holistic model promoting sustainable land use, GANSO demonstrates both environmental protection and economic viability, offering a replicable framework for livestock farming in other countries.
By Sara Valencia Salazar
The livestock sector in Colombia is critical to the national economy, but faces significant challenges related to environmental degradation, unsustainable practices, and limited private sector investment in sustainable value chain development. Initiatives such as GANSO address these issues by providing a structured approach to sustainable livestock farming and aim to create a low-carbon, nature-positive livestock sector that benefits rural communities and the environment. These initiatives not only promote productivity and environmental stewardship but also encourage investment from stakeholders hesitant to engage in sustainable livestock management.
Achievements of GANSO
GANSO’s work in livestock revolves around its certification standard, technical assistance for producers and strategies for ecosystem protection. These efforts promote responsible soil management practices and improve productivity.
1. GANSO Certification: A Path to Sustainable Cattle Farming
GANSO established a certification standard to guide livestock farmers toward responsible practices. This standard evaluates cattle farms based on environmental, social and economic criteria, enabling certified producers to continuously improve their systems. Since 2019, GANSO has certified over 50,000 hectares across various Colombia and plans to certify more than 200 small- and medium-scale producers by 2026. Certification fosters continuous improvement in farm management, positioning products with environmentally and socially responsible attributes in Colombia.
GANSO certified products are found in several supermarkets nationwide / Credit GANSO
2. Financial Sustainability and Co-Investment Model
Small- and medium-scale livestock farmers face financial barriers to adopt sustainable practices. GANSO provides financial support through partnerships with banks such as Bancolombia and BBVA, which offer green credit lines. These loans, backed by GANSO’s certification and technical assistance, focus on better practices such as rotational pasture management, livestock aqueducts, paddock division and agroforestry, among others. These methods allow farmers to reduce emissions and increase productivity.
Case Study: Co-Investment Model Success in Puerto Gaitán, Meta
The implementation of GANSO practices via co-investments (shared between GANSO and the property owner) on farms in Colombia's Altillanura region demonstrates how these models can be financially viable. Practices such as rotational grazing, forest protection, improved pastures and water management resulted in environmental benefits and increased productivity, with a 185% rise in daily weight gain above baseline (200 g/day vs. 570 g/day). This model not only boosts productivity but also supports the long-term financial viability of livestock operations.
3. Technical Assistance for Continuous Improvement
A key pillar of GANSO's success is its personalized technical assistance, which helps farmers adopt better practices like silvopastoral systems, rotational grazing and water management. These strategies enhance productivity and ensure environmental responsibility, aligning with market and environmental standards.
4. Ecosystem Protection Initiatives
GANSO integrates ecosystem conservation directly into its livestock management standards. By participating in zero-deforestation agreements, GANSO monitors forests and agricultural boundaries on livestock properties using satellite imagery to uphold commitments and protect biodiversity.
Through the “Football for Forests” initiative, GANSO restores Colombian forests, linking people's passion for football with reforestation to inspire communities, enhance biodiversity and raise conservation awareness in an engaging way.
5. Sustainable and Low-Carbon Production
Through the UK PACT-funded project 'Leveraging carbon and market incentives to transform the livestock sector in Colombia', GANSO promotes sustainable low-carbon production. The initiative introduces the certification standard to encourage deforestation-free practices, traceability and productivity, while enhancing environmental responsibility.
Key elements include green credit financing, technical assistance and carbon markets, offering additional income through carbon credits. Working in three regions of Colombia, the project partners with 'anchor farms' and associations to integrate the value chain, benefiting small- and medium-scale farmers. It also prioritizes social and gender inclusion, engaging women and rural communities to enhance equity.
Replication potential in other countries
GANSO's success in sustainable cattle farming in Colombia shows its potential for adoption in regions with similar challenges. With stakeholder support, the model offers a scalable framework delivering both economic and environmental benefits.
1. Flexible Certification Standards
GANSO's certification standard, aligned with specific regional ecological regulations and challenges, has strong replication potential. Its development, based on national and international standards, allows for local adjustments, making it scalable across different markets. Ensuring that certification criteria meet global sustainability guidelines and local agricultural realities enable it to thrive globally.
2. Financial Incentive Models
The co-investment strategy developed by GANSO and Climate Focus, through local banking institutions, can be implemented in other countries. Offering green credit lines creates economic incentives for sustainable management. In resource-limited agricultural countries, partnerships with international banks, green funds, or cooperative projects could replicate this success through financial integration.
3. Local Technical Assistance
GANSO's emphasis on technical support through trained professionals can be adapted to other countries by tailoring assistance packages to each region’s needs. Training programs should focus on responsible land use and improving productivity without compromising ecosystems.
4. Participation in Carbon and Biodiversity Markets
GANSO’s future carbon program offers a replicable method for integrating carbon financing into livestock farming. By establishing carbon credits linked to sustainable practices, countries can attract investors focused on environmental and social responsibility. This model not only economically benefits local farmers but also helps achieve global climate goals.
Global Implications of GANSO’s Approach
The global livestock industry is at a critical juncture, with stricter environmental regulations and demands. Initiatives like GANSO can lead this needed transformation by combining sustainability with profitability.
Certifications offer producers a market advantage, appealing to consumers who prioritize environmental and social responsibility. This approach could inspire global adoption, promoting environmentally conscious livestock practices that protect ecosystems, boost productivity and raise sustainability awareness.
Equitable growth is crucial, requiring the inclusion of women and marginalized communities. Gender-sensitive strategies can enhance participation and community support, driving more inclusive and sustainable development.
Conclusion
GANSO's achievements in Colombia are a beacon of hope for the future of sustainable livestock farming. Its certification standard, financial support model, technical assistance and ecosystem-focused strategies offer a comprehensive and holistic solution to the environmental and economic challenges of the livestock sector. Replicating these methods globally can advance climate goals, protect biodiversity and promote responsible farming, benefiting both the environment and rural communities.
Acknowledgements:
This work is supported by the Livestock and Climate Initiative and our donors through the CGIAR Trust Fund, as well as the STELARR project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and executed by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
