Colombia agricultural policy reform proposed for 2026-2030 development plan

As the Colombian government formulates its National Development Plan (PND) for 2026-2030, there is a call to reform agricultural policy instruments to improve rural productivity. Current data indicates a structural gap in technical assistance, with only 16.5% of production units receiving such support according to the National Competitiveness Report 2025-2026.

Colombia has over 584,000 small-scale livestock farmers, averaging approximately 21 animals each. While these producers possess land and experience, they often lack the capital and technical guidance necessary to increase efficiency and mitigate risks. Similar challenges face millions of small-scale farmers who struggle with low mechanization, limited credit access, and weak market connections.

Financial risks remain significant; in 2025, the Agricultural Guarantee Fund (FAG) paid 646,165 million pesos for insurance claims. Experts suggest that integrating technical assistance with credit could prevent many of these losses by ensuring projects are viable. The proposal emphasizes that development should be measured by tangible improvements in producer livelihoods, such as increased yields, better quality, and improved income, rather than just the number of workshops or credits distributed.