Colombia’s Agricultural Sector Grew 8.1% During 2024

In 2024, marked by moderate economic growth, the Colombian agricultural sector stood out as a key driver of the economy, with a significant increase of 8.1% in its added value compared to the previous year. The agriculture, livestock, hunting, forestry, and fishing sectors presented an added value of $158.1 billion USD and contributed 10.2% of the gross value added generated by the economy.

The growth of agricultural activity was mainly driven by coffee; which experienced a notable increase of 22.5%. It was followed by agricultural crops without coffee, with an increase of 8.3%; and livestock, with 5.6%. Despite difficulties in other subsectors, such as forestry (-9.4%) and fishing (-3%), the agricultural sector continues to consolidate itself as an essential pillar in the Colombian economy.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, the agriculture, livestock, hunting, forestry, and fishing sectors led economic growth, with an increase of 6.5%, exceeding GDP growth of 2.3% by 4.2 percentage points. This boost was mainly based on the strong performance of coffee (33.1%) and livestock (6.6%); with this, the agricultural sector was consolidated as the one with the greatest expansion within the country’s economy.

Dora Inés Rey, acting director of the UPRA, said: “The growth of the agricultural sector in 2024 is a reflection of the constant effort of our farmers and producers. Coffee, livestock, and other agricultural crops continue to prove to be key to the national economy and, from the UPRA, we work to strengthen the sector and ensure its continued growth.”

Photo credit: Colombia’s Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA)