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RDP project database

"Laugenrind" - organic beef and local ownership

Summary

Faced with the decline of the milk market in the Val di Non in the province of Bolzano, a cooperative of farmers responded proactively and created “Laugenrind”, an organic quality brand of processed meat offering sausages, goulash and Bolognese ragù.

Background

The initial project dates back to 2003 (in the context of Leader+), when 8 farmers developed a quality programme for growing, feeding and breeding the typical “Alpine Grey” cattle. Following the decline of the milk market, the local farmers' cooperative had the idea of extending the quality programme to the other steps of the production chain, in particular the processing of meat, and to make the new products organic. For this, the supported by the LAG Alta Val di Non got on board.

Objective

In light of need for adaptation to changing milk market conditions, the objective of this project is to create new, sustainable sources of income for local farmers and the community at large. To operationalize this objective, the project established the aim of producing high quality, organic meat products

Main activities

The main activities undertaken were: to convert the farms and their production (milk and meat) into organic; and to establish specific rules to be respected for breeding and slaughtering the animals. Another key area of activity is the creation and support devoted to the new local branding initiative, the label “Laugenrind“ (“Laugen Beef“).

Results & Benefits

From 8 in 2003, now 30 farmers are involved (100 cattle) in a cooperative, which developed the “Laugenrind” quality meat label, following the quality criteria of organic meat and milk production and processing. Farmers increased their sales and they obtain better prices (30% higher). In addition the projects contributes to the safeguard of traditional breeds and improve animal welfare. In 2007, the coop became part of Slow food, a NGO which promotes local and traditional quality food.

Lessons learnt

The support of the LAG to the farmers and their involvement in developing the quality brand helped to stimulate the sense of ownership for the project and improved cooperation among farmers and between them and the other local actors. Establishing the whole production chain within the local area helps to improve farmers’ incomes. Taking control of these lucrative value-added processes stimulates broader economic activity,

Project location and other information

South Tyrol – Leader Alta Val di Non. Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano – Alto Adige

Region

Bolzano

RDP Territory

Bolzano

Total project cost (€)

500 000

EAFRD contribution (€)

220 000

National contribution (€)

280 000

Contact name

Hubert Ungerer

Languages for contact

Italian

At a glance

Country

Italy

Final beneficiary type

Individual farmers, Producer groups, Other

Budget range

€100 000 - €500 000

Start date:

01/01/2009

End Date:

31/12/2012

Theme / Measure:

• Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
• Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
• 124: Cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies

Keywords:

Organic farming, Quality control, Biodiversity, Leader, Meat

Last update

14/06/2013