Descripción y análisis de la cadena de valor de la carne vacuna de base pastoril en Uruguay

This thesis describes and analyzes the pasture-based beef value chain in Uruguay for the 2023/2024 agricultural year. Its main objective is to quantify the Gross Value Added (GVA) generated by the chain and its distribution across phases, while a complementary objective is to represent and define the boundaries of the chain under a strict assumption, namely pasture-based cattle production. The production systems included in the study are cow-calf, rearing, finishing, and full-cycle systems, excluding animals finished in feedlots.

The main phases and actors are identified (input supply phase, agricultural phase, industrial phase, transportation, exports, imports, and government), and the costs (intermediate consumption) and Gross Production Value (GPV) of each phase are described, quantified, and analyzed. The results are organized in an input-output matrix specifically designed for the pasture-based chain, using information from public institutions and sectoral sources. For the agricultural year under study, the pasture-based beef value chain generates a GPV of USD 6.112 billion and costs of USD 3.426 billion, resulting in a total GVA of USD 2.686 billion and a GVA/GPV ratio of 43.9%.

The agricultural phase is the main generator of value, accounting for around 57% of total GVA, followed by the input supply phase, while the industrial and transportation phases contribute a smaller but still relevant share. The government captures part of the GVA through specific and consumption taxes.