Is sustainable long term management of grasslands economically

Is sustainable long term management of grasslands economically feasible? Bert Holm, Annely Esko LIFE to alvars Project coordinators Environmental Board

Project LIFE to alvars experience IT IS ALL ABOUT PEOPLE… 2500 hectares of newly restored grassland 40 farmers participating in the project • 21 farmers active before the project • 19 started together with the project • From the new farmers 4 have quit their other job and are now full time farmers. WHY?

Key elements – what makes the grassland management economically feasible? SIZE MATTERS! Based on financial analysis approximately 250 -300 hectares of grassland is needed for the farmer to survive solely on this activity. This means minimum breeding stock of • 150 cattle or • 700 sheep

Key elements – what makes the grassland management economically feasible? INITIAL INVESTMENT Providing the initial investment kick-starts the long term activity. • restoration work • grazing infrastructure • equipment

Key elements – what makes the grassland management economically feasible? MARKETING THE PRODUCT Meadow meat is a fantastic product!. . but farmers are often not the best marketers themselves. Correct treatment of the quality meat and proper marketing beats any subsidy payment available.

It is all about people… Demand for the great product + opportunity for the farmer to live off from the work = sustainable long term grassland management Estonian „Farm of the year 2016“ is Anno farm from Hiiumaa island. Family farm is managing grasslands with beef cattle. Production for meat marketing is 60 cattle per year.

Thank you! More information on website: http: //life. envir. ee/elualvaritel or in Facebook LIFEtoalvars