Colombia has opened its markets to international competition by signing several free trade agreements. This condition has generated great pressure on the dairy sector, which must be competitive in a globalized market. In the year 2014, Colombia produced 6.717 million L of milk and per capita milk consumption was 143 L. There are an estimated 99,000 dairy producers in specialized systems and 250,000 in dual-purpose systems. Specialized dairy production is found mainly in pastoril systems in the highland tropics (>2000 m elevation) with pastures of Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hoschst ex Chiov) and the predominant dairy breed is Holstein Friesian. Average milk production is 12 to 14 kg/d with a stocking rate between 1 and 2 cows/ha. Dual purpose dairying under grazing systems occurs mainly in the low ( 4%) or tuberculosis. To compete in international markets Colombia should consolidate milk production systems, improve milk quality (solids content, hygiene), increase volumes of delivery by supplier and achieve zones of sanitary excellence.