October 19, 2020

New Zealand, Uruguay launch project for sustainable livestock production

New Zealand and Uruguay have launched a three-year project that will underpin sustainable livestock production in Uruguay, Argentina and Costa Rica.

The project, called "Innovation for Pasture Management" and led by Uruguay's National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA), aims to boost production and utilisation of pastures by at least 30% on farms in the Southern Cone and Central America, Devdiscourse reports.

"We know effective pasture management is one of the key factors driving on-farm profitability and sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions," explained New Zealand Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor.

Uruguay's Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Carlos María Uriarte added, "Improving the production, conservation and utilisation of pastures will also be a key factor in the ability of farmers to respond to climate change".

"New Zealand and Uruguay both have a proud tradition of producing livestock, meat, milk, and wool for export. We have similar land areas dedicated to pasture-based livestock production—around 12 million hectares, and temperate climates allowing for year-round grazing of pastures."

New Zealand and Uruguay are ranked 6th and 8th largest beef exporters and 2nd and 9th sheep-meat exporters, respectively, as per report.

To help more than 4,000 producers optimise pasture management and increase forage production, the project will use drones and simulation models to measure and monitor pasture growth.

O'Connor said that improving management practices through the project would help in reducing emissions. Over the last 30 years, Uruguay has reduced its emissions intensity by more than 20%, mostly from improving pasture quality through improved grazing management.