ASOGEG

Association of ecological cattle-farmers in Guaviare

ASOGEG is an association consisting of small farmers of the Guaviare Department, which is made-up of more than 500 families that produce diary products and meat for local consumption. On December 17, 1997, ASOGEG was created by 54 families that were looking for alternatives to illicit cultivations in their department under the auspices of PLANTE, the diocese of Guaviare and UNODC.

The project consisted of the creation of a rotating pool of funds (for the purchase of cattle and the acquisition of agricultural tools), technical assistance, organizational strengthening and agro-industrial activities. It was financed through project COL/B91 and received funding from the following countries: Colombia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Sweden.

At the end of 2001, the diary production increased due to the increase in funds of the rotating pool and it was decided to start an agro-industrial project to obtain cheese, yoghurt and arequipe. The milk production reached 1.200 liters per day. With the help of the Japanese embassy, the construction of a milk production plant had been started. Although its physical construction was completed in 2003, the government permissions for health standards and marketing were yet to be obtained.

In order to understand what had to be improved in the food chain, during 2003, UNODC, PDA and ASOGEG concentrated on revising the production processes of lactose and made a compilation of agricultural ‘Best Practices’ of manufacturing processes and distributions. By July 2004, the outstanding government permits from INVIMA (the National Institute for Drug and Food Surveillance) for cheese, yoghurt and fruits of the Amazon (arazá, coazú, and cocona) had been secured. This makes this lactose plant the only legally installed plant in the departments of Guaviare, Guainia, Vaupez and the Amazon.

Up to date, it is estimated that the project has led to the eradication and abandonment of 150 hectares of coca in its sphere of influence