With technical support from The Nature Conservancy, Sumatoria launches a credit line to promote regenerative cattle ranching in the Gran Chaco

At a time when agricultural production faces the challenge of increasing productivity without compromising ecosystems, Sumatoria and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are launching a new credit line in Argentina aimed at advancing the development and adoption of regenerative ranching in the Gran Chaco—one of the most important and, at the same time, most threatened regions in South America.

This joint effort is part of the collaboration framework between Sumatoria and IFACC (Innovative Finance for the Amazon, Cerrado and Chaco), a platform that brings together banks, investors, agribusiness companies, and capital providers to develop and scale innovative financial mechanisms that enable increased production without expanding the agricultural frontier into native forests.

“Through this partnership, we are building a bridge between conservation science and the real economy, demonstrating that producing while protecting ecosystems is not only possible, but also financially viable,” said Matías Kelly, Director and Co-founder of Sumatoria.

“Regenerative ranching in the Gran Chaco represents a historic opportunity to mitigate climate change. With TNC’s support, we ensure that our financing transparently and rigorously supports producers who choose to pursue this transformation,” said Fátima Ochoa, Impact Director at Sumatoria.

Diego Ivanier, Finance Lead at TNC Argentina, added:

"In Argentina, credit for livestock represents less than 1% of the total loans granted by the banking sector. Since last year, the livestock industry has seen its prices and investment opportunities significantly improved. There is a great opportunity to finance the increase in livestock production in the Gran Chaco through incremented management efficiency, while protecting the environment. At TNC we are very pleased to have collaborated with Sumatoria in defining the objectives and environmental sustainability indicators of this credit line."

What makes this credit line unique?

• Science and conservation-based approach: Clear sustainability criteria tailored to the realities of Argentina’s Gran Chaco.

• Eligible investments: Infrastructure for planned grazing, water systems, animal health, nutrition, herd management, and working capital for the transition.

• Pay-for-results incentives: Includes a results-based payment scheme, where producers who demonstrate progress and measurable improvements can access enhanced financing conditions, such as:

  • Reduced interest rates based on their level of progress
  • Extended repayment terms based on achievement of targets

What does the technical collaboration between Sumatoria and TNC involve?

TNC serves as a key strategic partner in designing livestock practices for Sumatoria’s sustainable financing lines. Together, we are working on devoping:

• Eligibility Criteria: Defining regenerative management practices that serve as both guidelines and requirements for producers accessing the credit.

• Measurement Tools: Co-creating agile and robust methodologies that allow producers to track, in real terms, the transition of their production systems toward regenerative ranching while protecting natural resources.

• Impact Policies: Structuring evaluation processes to ensure that every dollar invested translates into acres under sustainable management and conserved ecosystems.

A scalable solution for the Gran Chaco

In a context of growing demand for production systems that protect nature, this initiative represents a key first step in advancing sustainable ranching in Argentina’s Gran Chaco.

This credit line aims to demonstrate that livestock production can be scaled in a way that is both more profitable and actively contributes to conservation.