Four Keys to Understanding the Progress of Sustainable Agribusiness in Colombia
Colombia is known as the country of beauty in part due to its abundant natural resources. This richness is especially visible in the agribusiness sector, where it combines with the talent of Colombian workers to drive a productive capacity that meets the demands of international markets. With fertile soils, five thermal zones, and long-standing expertise, Colombia has become a competitive force in global agricultural trade.
Here are four keys to understanding the progress of sustainable agribusiness in Colombia, a sector full of opportunities for international investors.
First Key: A Sector Positioned in the Global Market
The first key to understanding Colombia’s sustainable agribusiness success is recognizing the strength of its agricultural sector. Over the years, it has become one of the main contributors to the country’s export basket, showing consistent growth in both volume and value.
Between January and March 2025, Colombia exported agro-industrial goods worth USD 877,666 thousand, a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This positioned the sector as the second most important contributor to non-mining energy exports, just after agriculture and livestock.
In 2024, the sector reached USD 3,027 million in exports—up 1.8% from 2023—confirming a solid upward trend in both production capacity and international market presence.
With these figures, agribusiness and agriculture combined stand at the top of Colombia’s non-mining energy exports, reinforcing their strategic importance to the national economy.
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Second key: A sector with hundreds of benefits
Colombia offers a wide range of benefits and incentives that international investors can take advantage of in the agribusiness sector. Here are some of the most relevant ones:
- Geographic Location: Positioned at the heart of the Americas, Colombia serves as a strategic export platform for the region. From here, companies can reach nearby countries in competitive times, allowing for greater market reach and efficiency.
- Industrial and Agricultural Experience: Colombia has a long-standing tradition in both industrial and agricultural sectors. This experience translates into a mature business ecosystem supported by established infrastructure for production, storage, and transportation.
- Skilled Labor Force: Colombian workers bring innovation, resilience, and technical knowledge to the table. The local workforce is highly regarded for its ability to support businesses across all phases of the agribusiness green value chain.
- Year-Round Production Capacity: Thanks to its five thermal floors and biodiversity, Colombia can produce a wide variety of crops throughout the entire year. This consistency ensures a stable supply to meet the needs of global markets.
- Government Incentives for Sustainability: Colombia has implemented multiple initiatives to encourage sustainable investment. These include income tax deductions, VAT exemptions, and other financial tools designed to support companies focused on agro-ecological and environmentally conscious practices. Learn more about these incentives here.
These factors have contributed to the sector’s growth and offer a solid foundation for future expansion. For investors seeking a combination of profitability and sustainability, Colombia’s agribusiness sector represents a valuable opportunity.
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Third Key: Major Global Companies Are Already Investing
Colombia’s agribusiness sector has attracted the attention and investment of major multinational companies. One of the most prominent examples is Nestlé, which has maintained a long-term presence in the country. Nestlé has contributed to the advancement of processed food manufacturing and has played an active role in promoting regenerative agriculture—a practice that helps restore soil health and increase productivity while protecting natural ecosystems.
The company’s operations in Colombia reflect a broader trend: global corporations are recognizing the country’s potential and contributing to the development of a circular economy and a more sustainable food production. In our podcast Why Colombia, Felipe González, CEO of Nestlé Colombia, shares the company’s experience and long-term commitment to working in the country.
Listen to the episode here to gain insights into Nestlé’s success and vision for the future.
Fourth Key: A National Commitment to Sustainability
Colombia is one of the countries that has aligned itself and is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations. This has positioned it in a leading role in the region, as it has proposed a series of incentives and initiatives that seek a sustainable development of industries in a transversal manner.
This interest of the country has generated a business ecosystem that ends up benefiting sustainable agribusiness, as it has the support of both businesspeople and consumers.
Explore new opportunities in Colombia and discover the benefits of investing in sustainable agribusiness in the country of beauty. Learn more about Colombia’s investment landscape and find the sector that best matches your goals in our platform.
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