The Lazio Region has launched a Call for applications offering financial contribution for the purchase of animals belonging to Lazio’s native breeds. These include cattle, such as the Maremmana breed, sheep and goats, such as the Grigia Ciociara sheep and the Monticellana goats, and equines, such as the Esperia ponies.
These breeds, often at risk of genetic erosion, are essential for maintaining the extensive grazing systems typical of this Region and for producing high-quality grass-fed meat. Thus, the Lazio Region has committed to protecting the biodiversity of its livestock, to halting and reversing the loss of genetic variability and, consequently, to preserving its highly diverse grasslands habitats.
The budget for the Call, which was previously 100.000 €/year (until 2022), has been raised to 500.000 €/year from 2025 to 2027 and will be available for the purchase of male animals (all breeds listed) and female sheep and goats (however, females may only be purchased if the farm has been affected by the Blue Tongue Virus).
The importance of financial contribution in this area was identified as a priority by several farmers during a workshop organised by ARSIAL, LIFE Grace partner, on 21st March 2024. During the event, regional representatives from the Lazio Department of Agriculture and Department of Environment met with farmers to discuss their needs. This is a concrete result for our project, which wants to bridge the gap between small-scale farmers and institution, to find common goals and solutions.
Read the full Call and the list of eligible breeds here.