Ecobreves – NICARAGUA: Producing Organic Beef

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MANAGUA, Jan 19 2004 (IPS) - Ranchers and slaughterhouses in Nicaragua are promoting the production of organic beef, low in fat and cholesterol, from cattle that are fed only natural grasses. The plan, launched in 2003, does not require a high level of training or technology, but does call for strict management of pastures and the elimination of feed processed with chemicals, Juan Tijerino, head of the Nuevo Carnic slaughterhouse, told Tierramérica.

Thirty-six Nicaraguan ranches have received certification for natural pastures, and cattle-raisers plan to dedicate 525,000 hectares to this end.

Nicaraguan organic beef has already made successful inroads on the U.S. market, and is to be introduced in Europe and Japan.

The project has the support of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and the Cooperative League of the United States