Andorran Schools Receive 16,485 kg of Local Beef Since 2022 as Government, Andbank Extend Deal to 2025

Andorran schools have received 16,485 kilograms of certified local beef from Ramaders d'Andorra since the program's start in December 2022, with the government and Andbank extending their partnership through 2025.

Environment, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Guillem Casal, who chairs Ramaders d'Andorra, disclosed the figure at a Tuesday press conference in Andorra la Vella during the renewal signing. Andbank covers 25% of the beef's cost, capped at €15,000 yearly, allowing schools to buy at market prices. This avoids forcing discounts on producers and keeps pricing uniform for retail, household, and institutional buyers. The bank's contributions total roughly €40,000, averaging about €13,000 annually.

The meat goes mainly to 11 centralized school kitchens, plus French schools in La Massana and Sant Julià de Lòria. The British College took part initially but pulled out over logistics issues for small operations tied to one supplier, per Ramaders manager Gerard Martínez. In 2025, usage hit around 4,000 kilograms—less than 2% of the co-op's 250,000-kilogram yearly output. Martínez stressed ample supply for all schools and urged coordination with production timelines.

Casal highlighted the aims: boosting local beef demand, aiding ranchers whose grazing preserves landscapes and cuts hazard risks, and teaching students about regional products to influence home buying. He credited ranchers for summer's verdant slopes and their high-quality yields.

Andbank Country Banking Director Maria Suárez described the effort as tying into Andorran roots, hoping school tastes prompt family purchases of native meat. The bank provides free training venues for ranchers facing facility shortages.

Updates for the renewal feature Ramaders d'Andorra logos on relevant school menus and campaigns for the coming school year. Deliveries have risen from 600 kilograms initially to thousands yearly, targeting 6,000-6,500 kilograms annually going forward.

Casal pointed to wider aid stabilizing the livestock sector at around 1,300 breeding cows, producing 760-800 calves each year, with subsidies up 45% since 2023. A forthcoming rearing center will speed calf processing without herd growth.

On the animal protection and welfare law replacing old pet rules, Casal said it shifts focus from ownership to well-being. Shared with parishes and groups like hunters, environmentalists, and welfare organizations, it awaits feedback before parliamentary submission in coming weeks. Key provisions make legal guardians liable for companion animals damaging livestock or wildlife—including recent Segudet sheep attacks by dogs or threats to protected species. It covers sales, ads, events, and training tools once ignored; bans online pet sales for in-person deals at licensed sites; introduces a "positive list" of allowed companion species; prohibits punishment devices; and addresses working animals, primary sector needs, and public service dogs like police or rescue units. The Col·legi Oficial de Veterinaris d’Andorra (COVA) reviewed the draft last week and plans allegations soon, prioritizing direct talks with the executive.

The Maià-Sorteny natural park bill linking Ordino and Canillo parishes is finalized and parish-approved. Casal confirmed the core documents are verified amid strong institutional cooperation, with public consultation slated for late May or early June under Llei 7/2019. This two-month phase will trigger interim protections, followed by parliamentary steps.