Ordino Livestock Fair Draws Families as Andorra Boosts Primary Sector Funding 40%

The Fira del Bestiar in Ordino drew strong family attendance on its opening day Friday, with the second day held Saturday at the Plana dels Camps car park. Ordino's minor consul, Eduard Betriu, described the event as following the pattern of previous editions and now well-established, calling it a source of pleasure for the livestock sector, the parish, and the government. He expressed hope that both tourists and Andorrans would appreciate and learn about primary sector culture.

Environment, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Guillem Casal emphasized the fair's role in showing the livestock sector remains active and bringing it closer to the public, particularly children and youth. He praised school participation and the warm reception, which helps reveal the realities of farming in Ordino and across Andorra. Revived a few years ago, the spring event has become a fixture.

Casal announced the government has increased primary sector funding by more than 40% compared to 2023 as part of a broader overhaul of support models. The changes go beyond higher amounts, strategically targeting sector needs to boost productivity, strengthen the Andorran Bruna breed, and promote diversification between livestock and agriculture.

A key initiative is this year's launch of a Bruna breed rearing centre, managed by Ramaders d'Andorra. It will centralize heifers—future mothers—for better genetic selection, easing burdens on farms, improving meat quality, and creating opportunities like a shepherd pool for temporary replacements during illnesses or holidays. Casal said the budget allocation ensures a foundational step before the legislature ends, supporting extensive livestock farming long-term.

On bears, Casal acknowledged ranchers' concerns over wild animals but noted no declared damage in the past two years despite eight bears present. He highlighted prevention, monitoring, compensation mechanisms, and aids like GPS systems and fencing materials. Stressing coexistence and education, he pointed out dog attacks on livestock often exceed bear incidents, urging dog owners to follow rules and keep animals leashed. Betriu agreed, saying proper conduct by all allows balancing nature with Andorra's parishes.

Casal also raised risks from wild boars spreading disease and repeated dog damages, such as seven attacks over four years on one Segudet rancher. He called for peaceful management of wildlife alongside livestock.