Limestone Country Project
...environmental marketing and collaboration
This is an example of 18 farmers coming together and changing their farming practices to benefit the environment.
The Limestone Country Project started in June 2002. The aim of the project is to restore biodiversity to the Yorkshire Dales, by encouraging farmers to reintroduce traditional upland breeds of cattle in mixed grazing systems.
Farmers involved in the project have helped restore biodiversity to 1800 hectares limestone country in Yorkshire Dales. They have also had the opportunity to benefit from reduced costs and potential added value opportunities of marketing the beef under the Limestone Country Project brand.
Key learning points
Farmers have benefited from gaining a better understanding of mixed grazing and traditional farming methods.
They have also benefited from reduced production costs, by implementing traditional farming practices, using methods such as out wintering of the cows.
Whilst starting out solely as an environmental project, those involved have realized for the project to be sustainable there must be a market for the beef produced.
Farmers involved in the project realized their beef has a real point of difference because of the region it is produced in and the environmental benefits associated with its production.
Therefore they have started to market their beef under the Limestone Country banner. Furthermore, several of the farmers involved have joined together to market their beef, in order to offer continuity of supply to retail and catering outlets.
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