Summary

Organically bred sheep and goats can play a key role in preserving the landscape and biodiversity in the steeper meadows and pastures in Zasavje, a picturesque valley in the Sava Hills in central Slovenia. However, local breeders were facing difficulties in selling their meat due to the low prices and the lack of interest in such meat from consumers since there is a lack of knowledge about it.

The beneficiary, the organic breeder Mr Uroš Macerl, used Rural Development Programme (RDP) funds to set up a slaughtering facility on his farm. In this way, the quality of meat would be improved as the animals would go through less stress. This would also open new opportunities for him and other local breeders to sell their high-quality meat directly to consumers and improve their profitability.

Results

The farm can sell more animals and they have increased their herd from 169 to 198 animals, almost reaching the planned annual processing target of 220 lambs. 

Consumers’ interest in quality organic lamb meat has grown and is continuing to increase beyond expectations. 

Meat is available for customers throughout the year, and they can also enjoy it under the Hay Rack – a new tourist facility on the farm, which can host up to 50 guests at a time. 

The local breeders and the beneficiary have become even more independent during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have found new consumers, often individuals who purchase meat on the farm, or in shops which sell their lamb meat.