Creation of a branded meat product through the implementation of a protocol for the rearing large-scale cattle breeding in the area of Axios Delta
Axios Meat
The current situation regarding the subject of the project
Extensively farmed cattle show good adaptation to local conditions, disease resistance, grazing adaptability and have low requirements for purchased inputs (mainly feed), while their farming system plays multiple roles beyond meat production (social, economic, environmental). These animals use natural pastures, the biodiversity of which determines the characteristics of the meat, some of which are particularly beneficial for human health. However, the quality of meat produced by these systems in Greece has not been investigated. As a result of insufficient research and combined with their low productivity, the importance of extensively farmed cattle has not been the subject of interest in the meat value chain and their populations have declined significantly.
Thus, while the demand for meat with superior characteristics (such as extensive production) is high, extensive cattle farming has meager economic results and these farms base their sustainability on CAP income support. In addition, Greece has severe beef deficits with domestic production covering only about 25% of consumption.
The Innovation
Axios Meat’s approach combines innovation in the identification and highlighting of the special characteristics of the meat of extensively farmed cattle in the Axios region with innovation in the commerciality and traceability of this particular meat. It is emphasized that the quality of the meat produced from extensive cattle in Greece has not been thoroughly studied, while also there are no products on the market that identify with the specific breeding system.
To date, policies to protect these farming systems have been limited to income support through subsidies. Axios Meat will lead to the creation of a new meat product ‘axios_meat’ highlighting quality characteristics associated with grazing in the Axios Delta. In this way, it will be possible to increase the commerciality of the meat and the financial support of the farms.
Agricultural European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI)
The objective of Measure 16 is to strengthen the culture of cooperation between the involved bodies with the aim of:
- the strengthening of the competitiveness of businesses in primary production (agricultural holdings) in the food sector, mainly local products but also as well as
- the search for new cultivation practices and production practices that contribute to the protection of the environment but also to adaptation to climate change.
Through the partnerships that will be developed, the opportunity will be given to utilize new technologies and innovative processes for:
- the production of safer and healthier food.
- the reduction of water consumption and in general the cost of inputs for economic and environmental benefit
- ensuring the uniqueness of certified agricultural products
