Andorra Renews Andbank Deal for Local Beef in Schools

The Andorran government and Andbank have renewed their collaboration agreement to supply local beef to schools, ensuring continued access to certified Andorran meat in school canteens.

The deal, in place since December 2022, allows Ramaders d’Andorra to deliver between 6,000 and 6,500 kilograms of beef annually to educational centres. Andbank covers 25% of the sales cost, up to a maximum of 15,000 euros per year, enabling schools to purchase at competitive prices without ramaders offering discounts. Since the programme began, nearly 16,500 kilograms of beef—labelled as Carn de qualitat controlada d’Andorra or IGP Carn d’Andorra—have reached schools, with the bank contributing around 40,000 euros.

Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock Guillem Casal, who also chairs Ramaders d’Andorra, described the renewal as a way to highlight local produce and the work of livestock farmers. He noted that extensive farming maintains landscapes, supports biodiversity and helps prevent natural hazards. The Andorran school system, with its 11 centralised kitchens, remains the main recipient, alongside French schools in La Massana and Sant Julià de Lòria. Smaller facilities face logistical challenges, but the agreement remains open to all centres.

Andbank’s Country Banking Director Maria Suárez emphasised the initiative’s connection to national identity and its potential to influence family habits. The bank will also provide spaces for farmer training sessions. From next school year, classroom campaigns and logos on menus will raise awareness among pupils.

Casal reported that the livestock herd is stable at around 1,300 breeding cows, producing 760 to 800 calves annually, thanks to increased subsidies since 2023. Efforts continue to boost productivity, including plans for a rearing centre.

In related developments, the government is finalising a new animal protection and welfare law, expected for parliamentary submission before summer after consultations. It will ban online sales of pets, restrict them to authorised outlets with in-person handovers, introduce a “positive list” of permitted species and hold owners liable for animal-caused damage. The natural park project linking Pic del Maià to Vall de Sorteny is also advancing, with public consultation slated for late May or early June.