O sabor dos Ancares (The taste of Ancares): "A Carqueixa"

Last decades, rural depopulation and the decline of traditional livestock practices led to the closure of small farms. In 1994, 27 residents formed "A Carqueixa Cooperative", to preserve traditional livestock methods and improve quality life. Nearly 30 years later, their decision has proven successful.
A Carqueixa advocates for extensive livestock farming, free-range breeding, and natural feeding in rural areas with environmental protection. They manage over 5,000 cows across 10,000 hectares in a depopulated mountain area.
"O Sabor dos Ancares" project (2019-2024) has empowered the cooperative by renewing its sale's channels. Achievements in the first four years include launching an online store, opening a butcher shop in Lugo (the most important city in this area), collaborating with restaurants, supplying INDITEX canteens, and introducing a line of cooked dishes. These initiatives have increased partners, tripled livestock sales, and enabled the cooperative to derive 50% of its revenue from its own channels.
The project tackles challenges such as generational renewal, climate change, and market shifts. Since 2022, A Carqueixa has also achieved a gender-balanced governing board, with 43% of its members being women.
A Carqueixa stands out in Lugo and Galicia for its commitment to food safety and quality. With over 200 families and 215 direct jobs, it supports biodiversity, fire prevention, and sustainable development, keeping the rural environment vibrant.