Venezuela launches national livestock census to boost exports

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The Venezuelan government has launched the National Plan for the Characterization of the Bovine and Buffalo Herd 2026. Announced by Minister of Productive Agriculture and Lands Vladimir Padrino López, the initiative aims to create a detailed registry of the nation's livestock, including its quantity, location, and characteristics.

A primary objective of this census is to facilitate Venezuela's certification as a territory free of foot-and-mouth disease. Achieving this status is considered a critical step toward opening international markets for the export of meat and dairy products.

The deployment is underway across multiple states, including Apure, Portuguesa, Zulia, Bolívar, and Falcón. In Zulia, officials noted a herd of over 2.5 million cattle, while in Falcón, the plan targets more than 7,500 production units. The process is expected to involve hundreds of enumerators and technical teams to ensure an accurate inventory for future agricultural policies and sanitary controls.