The product specification ‘Young Beef and Heifers Reared in Upland Areas’ is applicable to rearing activities for the production of beef and the related products may be referred to as ‘Young beef and heifers reared in upland areas’.

Ministerial Decree on the ‘Product specification for “Young Beef and Heifers Reared in Upland Areas” within the National Livestock Quality Scheme (SQNZ) – Ministerial Decree No. 646632 of 16 December 2022’.

The specification, in compliance with the provisions laid down in higher-level sources (European Union and national legislation on food chain safety, animal health and welfare and the placing of products on the market), sets out the process for the production of quality beef bearing the designation ‘Young Beef and Heifers Reared in Upland Areas’ in accordance with the requirements of the Ministerial Decree of 16 December 2022 (National Livestock Quality Scheme – SQNZ).

The distinctive feature of the specification lies in the fact that its implementation is intended to promote extensive beef farming in hill and mountain areas, as an opportunity for beef farming in regions that are climatically and topographically disadvantaged.
Furthermore, the product specification promotes the use of upland and locally sourced fodder with a view to environmental sustainability, thereby reducing the need to transport feed from areas far from the production sites.
The aim is to promote environmental sustainability, offer greater guarantees to consumers, and stem the decline in the number of animals reared in disadvantaged areas but which have an indispensable social value and represent a vital safeguard for the protection of the local environment.
The draft specification consists of 11 chapters