Introduction

This interview with Luis Fernando Monroy, a renowned Colombian expert with extensive experience developing models, methodologies, and tools for agribusiness, is part of MSEG's ConversACTION initiative to foster cross-sectoral exchange and action among experts from the Americas. In a context where the social determinants of health equity remain a critical challenge—especially for vulnerable and at-risk communities—MSEG seeks to act as a bridge connecting innovative practices, perspectives, and strategies between Canada and the rest of the Americas.This conversation with Mr. Monroy offers a unique opportunity to explore the experience of the value chain group in Colombia. By sharing his insights and recommendations, he hopes to inspire meaningful dialogue among academics, institutions, and organizations in Canada and Latin America committed to promoting the inclusion of small farming communities in the value chain. Furthermore, Mr. Monroy's experience provides valuable guidance for building resilient and inclusive agricultural systems that integrate traditional practices with modern innovations.

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Interview:

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1. Tell us a little about your background. EV : Could you share with us your journey and how you became involved in developing models, methodologies, and tools for agribusiness in Colombia.

 

LFM : Thank you for the invitation to this ConversACTION . It's a pleasure to share my experience and reflect on the challenges of developing the field in the Colombian context.

 

My journey in this sector began more than two decades ago, when I enthusiastically began advising rural communities with the goal of promoting sustainability and business development. One of my first experiences was at Clorofila Urbana, an organization dedicated to supporting the growth of the agricultural sector in rural areas.

 

However, at that time—around 2001-2002—working in the countryside represented a significant challenge due to the insecurity and adverse socioeconomic conditions faced by many communities. In that context, I had the opportunity to work in the department of Vichada, in southeastern Colombia, where I supported agricultural development processes focused on entrepreneurship and productive linkages.

 

I subsequently joined the Productive Alliances team at the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture, a project supported by the World Bank. This initiative had a significant impact on the sector, as it focused on:

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• Identify strategic allies for rural producers.

• Reduce intermediation, ensuring better trading conditions for farmers.

• Design strategies for agro-logistics projects to optimize the value chain and improve the sector's competitivenes

 

This experience has allowed me to thoroughly understand the challenges and opportunities facing Colombian agriculture and to work on models, methodologies, and tools that have contributed to the transformation of the country's agricultural sector.

 

2. What is your perspective on agroindustrial production in Colombia?

EV : How do you assess the current state of agroindustrial production in Colombia, and what challenges and opportunities do you see in this sector?

LFM : Agroindustrial production in Colombia is very diverse and presents different levels of development according to the productive sector. Some agro-industrial chains have managed to consolidate themselves with efficient distribution channels and well-structured marketing models, while others still face challenges in terms of technology and organization.

 

For example, palm oil and coffee They are two sectors with highly developed value chains . Both have managed to establish advanced distribution networks that allow them compete in national and international markets effectively.

 

Another interesting case is the cocoa , an agro-industry in constant growth , where Demand exceeds supply . In Colombia, All the cocoa produced is absorbed by the market , which shows its great potential as a strategic sector.

 

However, there are sectors that still require greater organization and technical development . For example, in industry dairy , the production model varies by region. In some areas, producers receive greater benefits and support , while in others the conditions are less favorable.

 

In the case of the fruits and horticulture , the market remains highly informal . Crops such as avocados have grown in recent years, but Their marketing channels are not yet as organized as in countries like Mexico . To strengthen this sector, it is necessary improve technical development, promote more efficient production chains and reduce informality in marketing .

 

In general, the agroindustrial sector in Colombia has great potential, but still faces challenges in terms of infrastructure, market access and organization . The The key is to continue promoting models of association, technical development and access to international markets , guaranteeing more equitable conditions for producers and improving the competitiveness of the sector as a whole .

 

3. Strengthening Value Chains:

EV : Based on your experience, what are the key strategies for strengthening local value chains that empower small farming communities while meeting the demands of international markets?

LFM : Strengthening agricultural value chains in Colombia depends on a key understanding: approximately 70% of agricultural production is in the hands of small producers, who operate under family farming and small agribusiness models. This scenario raises the need to design effective partnership strategies that allow these producers to consolidate their offerings, improve production volumes, and secure long-term trade agreements with national and international markets.

 

One of the main challenges lies in the structure of agricultural associations. Many of them face legal challenges, which hinder their consolidation and their ability to meet quality standards and timely product delivery. Sometimes, the problem lies in the fact that everyone is an owner, but no one assumes responsibility, which weakens their operational capacity. To overcome these barriers, it is essential to strengthen governance structures and promote for-profit association models, such as cooperatives.

 

Agricultural cooperatives have proven successful in countries such as Canada and several European nations, where they play a fundamental role in the production and marketing of agricultural products. In Colombia, although cooperatives exist in various sectors, they have not yet been widely adopted in agricultural and food production. An effective model would be one in which cooperatives establish partnerships with market players and the private sector, integrating technical assistance, financing, and access to international markets.

 

A representative case is the palm oil model in Colombia. Although it has established a foothold in the market, technical assistance to small farmers remains minimal. Many producers only receive support through development programs, which often have limited resources and are short-term. However, these types of investments do not allow for the construction of sustainable systems. sustainable in the long term.

 

Therefore, a key strategy for strengthening value chains is to structure more sustainable and long-term support programs, with a focus on:

 

Efficient association, with clear governance structures and member commitment.

Cooperativism as a viable model, promoting internationally successful schemes.

Increased investment in technical assistance, ensuring that small producers have access to training tools and technology.

Access to markets with long-term agreements, guaranteeing stability for producers.

 

The key to strengthening value chains is ensuring that small producers can compete in the market, offering volume, quality, and compliance. With well-designed strategies, it is possible to achieve a balance between local development and the demands of international markets, promoting a sustainable and inclusive model for the Colombian agricultural sector.

 

4.Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Agriculture:

EV : How can traditional farming practices be preserved and integrated into modern agribusiness models to improve local food security and sustain value chains in the age of globalization?

LFM : Preserving traditional agricultural practices while integrating them into modern agribusiness models is a complex challenge that requires a dialogue of knowledge. It's important to understand that traditional isn't necessarily good, and modern isn't necessarily bad; the real challenge lies in finding a balance that allows us to take advantage of the benefits of both approaches.

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There are traditional practices that, far from being sustainable, have had a negative impact on ecosystems. A clear example is the practice of burning land to prepare the soil for a new crop. This technique has left large areas of land infertile, affecting productivity and damaging ecosystems. To counteract these effects, it is necessary to find mechanisms that reconcile traditional techniques with modern innovations, promoting practices that preserve soil quality and biodiversity.

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A key aspect is to increase productivity per hectare or per acre (as land is measured in Canada), since population growth has increased the demand for food. While in traditional agriculture labor comes directly from producing families, the pressure to produce more food forces us to rethink production strategies.

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One successful model has been the development of participatory research, led by organizations such as Agrosavia , the Center for Tropical Agriculture (CEAT), and the National Federation of Coffee Growers. These initiatives have demonstrated that it is possible to combine traditional knowledge with modern techniques to improve production and ensure the sustainability of agricultural systems.

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However, in Colombia's Indigenous and peasant communities, there are additional challenges related to culture and governance. Indigenous communities operating under a system of resguardos or cabildos receive some support and development funds, but the organizations that provide these resources often struggle to understand Indigenous culture and governance structures. Furthermore, in many cases, the land available for agriculture is limited because much of the territory is designated as conservation areas.

It is important to recognize that in the past, rural and indigenous communities were able to sustain themselves, ensuring food security. However, this capacity has been affected by various factors, such as:

• Climate change, which has altered agricultural cycles.

• Transformation in agricultural practices, which has reduced crop diversity.

• Violence and armed conflict, which has led to the displacement of rural communities.

 

A valid question is whether new generations of Indigenous communities wish to preserve their culture and traditional practices. The answer must begin with generational integration, in which the new generations learn and preserve traditional seeds, stories, and legends related to the land, while acquiring knowledge about technological development, market development, and precision agriculture.To achieve this balance, it is necessary:

• Promote intergenerational dialogue that respects traditions and values innovations.

• Create training programs that teach modern techniques without losing the cultural and community essence.

• Ensure that agricultural policies respect the governance and traditional practices of Indigenous communities.

• Implement sustainable agricultural technologies adapted to the specific conditions of each territory.

• True success lies in ensuring that rural and indigenous communities preserve their identity and traditional knowledge, while adopting modern tools and technologies that allow them to improve their production and ensure their sustainability in the global marketplace.

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5.Addressing the Challenges of Globalization:

EV : Globalization often pushes producers to focus on exports at the expense of local food security. What measures do you think can be taken to ensure that local food systems remain robust and self-sufficient despite these pressures?

LFM : The globalization has profoundly transformed the agricultural sector in Colombia and many Latin American countries. The growing demand for agricultural products in international markets has led many producers to prioritize exports , which in some cases has put at risk the local food security . This focus on exports can generate significant revenue for the country and producers, but it also creates a external dependence which can destabilize local food systems in times of crisis or international market fluctuations.

 

One of the most important challenges in this process is that, once the food leaves the producing territories , these are sold to intermediaries and subsequently to marketing companies who, after processing or redistributing them, return those same products to the local market at much higher prices. This not only affects the economic accessibility of food for local communities, but also increases the dependence on external commercial networks and raises the cost of living in rural areas.

 

To ensure that the local food systems remain robust and self-sufficient in the face of these pressures, it is essential to implement balanced strategies that allow producers to respond to global market demands without compromising production for domestic consumption. Some key measures could include:

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1.Diversified production – Maintain a balance between export and domestic crops to reduce vulnerability to market fluctuations.

2.Short marketing channels – Facilitate direct sales between local producers and consumers to eliminate intermediaries and reduce transportation costs and emissions.

3.Self-consumption and strategic export – Prioritize production for local consumption and allocate the surplus for export, with successful examples such as cocoa, coffee, and rubber.

4.Incentives for local production – Offer subsidies, financing, and technical assistance to strengthen domestic production, including in the face of export opportunities.

5.Protecting native seeds and crops – Create seed banks and promote regenerative agriculture to preserve biodiversity and food security.

6.Infrastructure and logistics – Improve roads, collection centers, and transportation to facilitate local distribution and reduce post-harvest losses .

7.Education and training – Training producers in sustainable agriculture, crop diversification, and technology to increase competitiveness and resilience.

 

The key is to promote a mixed model that allows producers take advantage of global business opportunities without compromising the ability of communities to stock up on food and maintain their food sovereignty. While globalization offers new market opportunities, the real challenge is to achieve a balance that ensures the sustainability of local systems and protect food security of communities .

 

6.Fostering cross-sector collaboration: EV : How can governments, the private sector, and local communities collaborate effectively through cross-sectoral actions to promote equitable access to food and support the development of sustainable agricultural practices?

LFM : Collaboration between the government, the private sector, and local communities is key to promoting equitable access to food and strengthening sustainable agricultural practices in Colombia. One model that has proven effective is that of agricultural associations, such as the National Federation of Coffee Growers, which has successfully established a long-term support structure for coffee producers, offering technical assistance, research, and access to international markets.

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However, in other agricultural sectors, the development resources allocated to support local production are not generating the expected impact. This is because many of these resources are directed toward short-term solutions, lacking a strategic vision that encourages the modernization and improvement of agricultural systems. In some cases, producers receive inputs or basic technical assistance, but lack the tools to sustainably improve productivity and quality.

• To foster effective cross-sector collaboration, it is necessary to:

• Reformulate the use of development resources , directing them toward agricultural technology projects, infrastructure development, and improvement of value chains.

• Adopt a long-term vision similar to that of the coffee model, where production support focuses not only on immediate assistance but also on strengthening the productive capacity and competitiveness of rural communities.

• Strengthen agricultural associations as spaces for coordination between producers, the private sector, and the government, where joint strategies can be defined to improve market access and the sustainability of production systems.

• Encourage private investment in sustainable agricultural projects through policies that promote technology development, training, and the creation of agricultural infrastructure.

• Facilitate platforms for dialogue and consultation among the various stakeholders in the sector to ensure that policies and programs reflect the real needs of agricultural communities.

• The key is to design structural development policies that transcend political cycles and focus on long-term development, ensuring that producers can access technology, financing, and markets in a sustainable and competitive manner.

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7.Agroemprende Cacao Project :

EV : In recent years, a notable example of international cooperation and cross-sector collaboration between Colombia and Canada has been the Agroemprende Cacao project, implemented in 2019 with funding from the Canadian government and various private sector companies. Could you tell us more about this project and its impact on local farming communities?

LFM : The Agroemprende Cacao Project has been an outstanding example of international cooperation and intersectoral collaboration between Colombia and Canada , which has had a significant impact on local farming communities in the Putumayo . Cocoa cultivation was not an ancestral practice in this territory; previous attempts had been made with crops such as hearts of palm and pepper without sustainable results. However, the project has managed to consolidate cocoa as a viable and productive alternative for local communities.

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The project was implemented in 2019 thanks to funding from Canadian government and the support of key actors such as Gran Terra , the Canadian organization Socodevi and the Colombian company Ecopetrol . One of the key strategies was the creation of a intersectoral committee which included producing communities as a forum for discussion on cocoa production. This committee allowed for ongoing dialogue and promoted joint decisions on the cocoa production and marketing model.

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A key outcome of the project was the formation of a second-level cooperative which groups together eight cocoa producer associations . This cooperative has strengthened the value chain by ensuring that cocoa meets quality standards. volume, quality and opportunity in delivery, allowing for more competitive and sustainable production.

 

Colombia is traditionally a country cocoa producer and consumer . The high domestic demand for chocolate, rooted in Colombian culture, has facilitated a secure and sustainable market for local production. The project has transformed the mindset and vision of the organizations involved, promoting a model associative, productive, commercial and logistical which strengthens the competitiveness of the cocoa sector in Putumayo and generates economic and social benefits for local communities.

 

In short, the Agroemprende Cacao Project has not only helped diversify agricultural practices in Putumayo, but also consolidate a successful cacao production and marketing model based on collaboration, community organization, and a strengthened value chain.

 

8.Future Trends and Innovations:

EV : Looking ahead, what emerging trends and innovations do you foresee in the global food landscape, and how do you think traditional agricultural knowledge can help shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for food?

LFM : Looking to the future, the global food landscape will be marked by a growing demand for sustainable products and with added value , which poses both opportunities and challenges for agricultural producers. A key trend will be the need for rescue and revalue traditional products through the integration of ancestral knowledge with Technological innovations . It's not about returning to the past, but rather about leveraging traditional agricultural knowledge to develop more sustainable, efficient, and competitive production models.

 

A crucial aspect will be the ability to generate value in the territories of origin. Historically, many producing countries commodities Such as coffee and cocoa, the raw material has been exported unprocessed, allowing international buyers to add value at later stages of the chain. This creates an imbalance in the distribution of benefits. For example, while cocoa producers in Latin American countries primarily export the bean, the highest profits come from final products such as cocoa powder. cocoa liquor or the chocolate premium that are produced in developed markets.

 

To balance the loads in the value chain, it is essential that producing countries adopt strategies to process and add value at source. This includes the development of products such as cocoa liqueur, artisanal chocolate, roasted coffee locally and other derivative products that can be positioned in high-value niche markets. Furthermore, technological innovations in processing, preservation, and marketing can improve the competitiveness of these products and open up new opportunities in international markets.

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The geopolitical challenges and trade wars will also influence the global food landscape. Tensions in supply chains and fluctuations in international markets will force producers to become more resilient and diversify both their products and their markets. technological innovation In agriculture, technologies such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, and digital platforms for direct marketing will be key tools for increasing efficiency and profitability.

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In conclusion, traditional agricultural knowledge offers a solid foundation for building a more sustainable and inclusive future in the food sector. By combining ancestral practices with modern technology and value-added strategies, producers will be able to increase their competitiveness, balance dynamics in the value chain, and strengthen local economies.

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9.Recommendations for vulnerable communities:

EV : What recommendations would you offer to vulnerable and at-risk communities across the continent that could benefit from the Colombian model of intersectoral cooperation and Canadian support?

LFM : For vulnerable and at-risk communities across the continent, the Colombian model of intersectoral cooperation and Canadian support offer valuable lessons that could be replicated in other contexts to promote sustainable and inclusive development. A key recommendation is bring about a change of mindset in communities, promoting a broader vision of the economic and social potential of their resources and traditional practices. This shift involves moving from a subsistence economy to a consumer-based economy. added value , associativism and integration into sustainable value chains.

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It is essential to design and implement long-term processes that not only respond to immediate needs, but also build capacities for the future. International cooperation should focus on projects that generate autonomy and sustainability within communities, rather than relying on ongoing external support. Communities need tools to develop sustainable business models, improve the quality of their products, and access national and international markets.

 

A key strategy is the training and education of young people in indigenous, rural, and Afro-descendant communities. The transfer of technical knowledge and training in business management and agricultural production will enable new generations to adopt a modern and competitive approach to facing the challenges of the global market. Experience in Colombia shows that when young people actively participate in the production and marketing of agricultural products, communities achieve greater resilience and economic stability.

 

There are good examples of agricultural development in countries such as Peru and Chile , where the implementation of cooperative and value-added models has strengthened the rural economy. Vulnerable communities can benefit from these experiences by adapting strategies to their own cultural and geographical contexts. The establishment of intersectoral cooperation networks that involve the public, private and community sectors is key to ensuring that projects have continuity and a lasting impact.

 

Ultimately, the success of these models depends on an approach based on the respect to cultural traditions , the self-determination of communities and the creation of real opportunities to participate in the global economy. The combination of ancestral knowledge with technological innovation and institutional support can become an engine of economic and social transformation for the continent's most vulnerable communities.

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This ConversACTION , hosted and written by Eduardo Vides , Director of MSEG, seeks to offer an in-depth look at the future of food, exploring the integration of tradition, the strengthening of value chains, and the challenges posed by globalization in a Latin American context. The experience and insights of our guest expert will serve to inspire and guide those working to promote more inclusive and resilient food systems.