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JAUREGIA
Published on 06 August 2018
Spain
Burgenland
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
In Aniz, a small village of Baztan Valley, sourrounded by oak and beech woods in the north-west of Navarre, Azkarate family have tended their herds since centuries.
Due to the difficult situation in which the dairy sector was located, Azkarate brothers decided to make a cheese factory to make their own cheese in 2004. Five years later they decided to turn their exploitation into organic. Nowadays they have 53 head of cattle, of which 28 are milked. They carry out the whole process in the family farm; raising the cattle, milking, making cheese and other dairy products (yoghurts and fresh milk). Furthermore, they distribute their products by themselves under the trade name of JAUREGIA through direct sale (vending machine in a village nearby, local markets, consumer groups, internet and schools), retail sale (small shops and specialized stores) and experimental marketing (Km 0, guide visits, etc.). Commercialization is carried out in proximity, in about 50 Km around.
The situation of dairy cattle farms began to be increasingly complicated. The maintenance of profitability was being achieved by the increase of the livestock cabins to cope with the increase of production costs. Azkarate brothers decided to change the model and bet on a sustainable production system, respectful with the territory. They decided to produce quality products, adding value to their production and taking charge of the commercialization. Thus they have got to improve the sustainability and profitability
Due to the difficult situation in which the dairy sector was located, Azkarate brothers decided to make a cheese factory to make their own cheese in 2004. Five years later they decided to turn their exploitation into organic. Nowadays they have 53 head of cattle, of which 28 are milked. They carry out the whole process in the family farm; raising the cattle, milking, making cheese and other dairy products (yoghurts and fresh milk). Furthermore, they distribute their products by themselves under the trade name of JAUREGIA through direct sale (vending machine in a village nearby, local markets, consumer groups, internet and schools), retail sale (small shops and specialized stores) and experimental marketing (Km 0, guide visits, etc.). Commercialization is carried out in proximity, in about 50 Km around.
The situation of dairy cattle farms began to be increasingly complicated. The maintenance of profitability was being achieved by the increase of the livestock cabins to cope with the increase of production costs. Azkarate brothers decided to change the model and bet on a sustainable production system, respectful with the territory. They decided to produce quality products, adding value to their production and taking charge of the commercialization. Thus they have got to improve the sustainability and profitability
Resources needed
Private and Public funds were used to set up the practice. Support for the first installation and a part of the loan interests requested as private financial resource. The human resources currently needed are 7 people, equivalent to 6 full-time jobs.
Evidence of success
JAUREGIA creates 6 full time jobs, fixing population to the territory, in a valley of small villages where depopulation and generational change of livestock farms are a problem, and where the wonderful landscape needs to be maintained for the enjoyment of visitors. That made to improve the quality of life of this family, from a social point of view, having time to care childrens and grand parents, and holidays. Finally this practice have given a higher profitability.
Potential for learning or transfer
It could be a feasible alternative in other areas with similar problems, adapting it to the conditions and idiosyncrasy of each of them. In fact, several people from different regions have contacted and visited the farm to learn about the practice, interested in implementing it in their respective territories. On the other hand, it is an opportunity to know the culture and the history of the valley.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Jauregia Esnekiak
Spain
Comunidad Foral de Navarra