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

2. 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?

3. Key elements – what makes the grassland management economically feasible?
SIZE MATTERS!
Based on financial analysis approximately 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Demand for the great product +
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.

7. Thank you! More information on website:
or in Facebook LIFEtoalvars