The Ministry of Rural Development, Livestock, Fishing and Food of the Government of Cantabria has signed a collaboration agreement with the Federation of Associations of Breeders of Beef Cattle Breeds of the community, endowed with 110,000 euros. This agreement, which will extend until January 31 of next year, is aimed at supporting the operation of the Federation and financing various actions linked to its activity.
The document includes a specific allocation of 25,000 euros for the maintenance of the genealogical books of the beef cattle breeds included in the Federation, in order to ensure the traceability and control of the registered animals.
Likewise, another 25,000 euros are allocated to cover the general operating expenses of the entity. In addition, 30,000 euros are reserved for the organization of the Regional Contest of Selected Livestock, conditional on the health situation making its celebration possible, and another 30,000 euros for the purchase of a portable livestock enclosure that will allow for better management of livestock at different events and farms.
With this financial contribution, the regional Executive reinforces its support for breeders' associations and genetic selection and improvement programs, considered "fundamental" tools for increasing farm productivity, optimizing the quality of meat production, and consolidating the competitiveness of beef cattle in Cantabria, according to a statement from the Government.
The signing of the agreement was attended by the minister of the sector, María Jesús Susinos, and the president of the Federation, Lorenzo González, in an event also attended by the Director General of Livestock, Alfredo Álvarez.
Susinos stressed that "genetic improvement and the conservation of our livestock breeds constitute one of the main lines of work" of her department, as they "are essential to guarantee the profitability of farms and the future of the livestock sector in Cantabria."
She also emphasized that this agreement "supports the important work" carried out by the Federation as an organization that brings together the associations of selected beef cattle breeds in the community and acts in a "coordinated" manner in the promotion, preservation, and improvement of these breeds.
For his part, the president of the Federation has expressed his gratitude to the regional Executive and has insisted that these aids make it possible to keep strategic projects for the integrated associations and for the farmers who "work every day for the improvement of beef cattle breeds" up and running.
He also stressed that the maintenance of genealogical books, the organization of livestock shows, and the incorporation of new infrastructures are "fundamental" actions to continue advancing in the professionalization of the sector and in the dissemination of the advances obtained through breeding programs.
The Federation brings together the main associations of select beef cattle in the region and cooperates in promoting genetic improvement plans, breed conservation, commercial promotion, and continuous training of farmers.