The unsustainable growth of the cattle ranching and agricultural sectors is driven by numerous factors. Chief among these driving forces is the growing global demand for meat, animal feed, and biofuels. Expansion into the Amazon is ultimately made possible by access to remote lands, by investments in transportation infrastructure and by unclear land tenure and use rights. The perceived lower value of natural forests compared to “productive” lands, and limited knowledge about better practices further exacerbate the dynamics of these sectors.

WWF aims to address the threats posed by extensive cattle ranching and mechanized agriculture by promoting improved production of critical agro-commodities through the adoption of improved standards and better management practices.

In addition, this strategy seeks to guide the siting of these activities by defining zones for extensive cattle ranching and mechanized agriculture production and expansion as well as zones where these activities should not expand due to ecological importance.