2From local farms to global markets: the Chaco’s role in food supply chains Agriculture in the Gran Chaco is shaped by Argentina, with 5.6 million hectares of crop production, and Paraguay, which plays a key role in livestock production and beef exports. What happens in Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) agriculture and food systems is crucial not only for the region’s economies but also globally, as LAC is the world’s largest net food-exporting region, helping to stabilize food supplies and reduce food price volatility worldwide.21 Within Latin America, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay play a key role in contributing to global food security, due to their significance in agricultural and livestock production and exports. Argentina is the third largest soybean producer globally, accounting for 12% of global production, while Paraguay ranks sixth with 3% and Bolivia 10th with 1%, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). In terms of beef production, Argentina is the sixth largest producer, representing 5.5% of global supply, followed by Paraguay in 16th place with 0.9% and Bolivia, which ranks 22nd, representing approximately 0.4% of global production. Figure 2 shows the evolution of agriculture exports from Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay between 1991 and 2021. Evolution of agriculture exports from Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, 1991-2022 ($ billion) FIGURE 2 0102030405060$ billion Argentina Bolivia Paraguay1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Source: World Trade Organization.22 The data from Figure 2 indicates a significant increase in agricultural exports across all countries, with Argentina leading the three Chaco countries in exports during this period. The following three figures sourced from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC)23 provide insights into the range of products exported by each country, with a focus on agricultural and beef exports.24 15 The Gran Chaco: Pathways Towards a Sustainable Future

The Gran Chaco Pathways Towards a Sustainable Future 2025