An exceptionally livestock-friendly organic pig fattening farm in the federal province of Carinthia (Austria)

Topic area
Agriculture and forestry, incl. value chain

Disaggregation level
Agriculture
Animal welfare
Value added

Project region
Carinthia

LE– Programming Period
LE 14–20

Project period
03.12.2019-31.12.2021

Project costs overall
408.371,00€

Subsidy from LE 14-20
84.482,28

Priority
EN - 4.1.1. Investitionen in die landwirtschaftliche Erzeugung

Project initiator
Prasser Manuela und Josef

Short description

A major objective is that the project should be well suited for the next generation and the overall philosophy. Great importance is also attributed to the fact that the pigs are fed with the farm own cereals. Finally, the project offers an attractive work environment and is economically viable.

Point of departure

The demand for organic pork meat has increased. However, currently the share of organic pigs in Austria is still relatively low. the project offers a longer-term perspective on the implementation of a promising economic trend.

Targets and target groups

Not only the farm itself benefits from the project, but also producers and consumers from the countryside. With a lot of the farmer's own contribution, the costs could be kept on a relatively low level. Another aspect is that both, livestock and humans, should feel well in their environment. Everyone should just feel as fit as a fiddle. Finally, the consumers should be provided with healthy meat.

Project implementation and measures

It is of great importance that the livestock is doing well. Importantly not only the legal requirements are respected, but various other aspects to make the livestock feel comfortable, are being taken care of. Yet there are not many comparable model initiatives being implemented.

Results and effects

Last year, the project achieved great success by being awarded the National Animal Welfare Prize ("Landestierschutzpreis"). Visitors have the opportunity to tour the stable and see how well the pigs are doing there.

Erfahrung

The maintenance of excellent animal welfare requires a lot of effort from the farmers` side. Providing pigs with lot of straw on a continuous basis, also means a lot of work. Therefore, it is important to assess what measures are really necessary.