From field to table. The BELARDITIK ETXERA project promotes the transformation of the local meat sector.

The BEDARBIDE Association, which brings together local livestock farmers, has been working for years to improve the profitability of livestock farms with a clear objective: to guarantee the economic viability of those currently engaged in this activity and leave a solid sector for future generations. To achieve this, they have focused their efforts on reducing production costs and promoting short marketing channels, bringing the product directly to consumers.

This path has had its difficulties. One of the main ones has been the lack of nearby infrastructure for meat processing, which has limited the ability to respond to growing demand from consumers committed to local products and nostalgic for traditional meat products that were once made in local butcher shops.

To respond to this need, BEDARBIDE promoted the creation of the BELARDI meat processing centre, which opened in September 2024. This centre represents a significant change in the local food ecosystem, as it completes the meat value chain and revives projects that were previously unviable. BELARDI not only provides infrastructure, but also opens the door to innovation and product diversification, reinforcing the gastronomic identity of the region.

New range of local, high-quality meat products

With the aim of going one step further, borns BELARDITIK ETXERA project, with Leartiker joining in to contribute its knowledge and technology in three key areas: identifying and defining the new BELARDI product range, developing new meat products, and evaluating and validating their quality. This collaboration seeks not only to improve the range on offer, but also to ensure that the products meet the highest standards, while maintaining their local essence and consumer confidence.

This initiative, which is part of the CAP 2023-2027 Rural Development Aid (Basque Government-EAFRD), involves BEDARBIDE Elkartea, Leartiker S.COOP, ATEZABAL koop.txikia and Endika Ejejalde, a livestock farmer and butcher who contributes his experience and commitment to tradition and innovation. Together, they are working to ensure that the local livestock sector not only survives, but also grows stronger and looks to the future.

Reconnecting pastures with consumers

The Belarditik Etxera initiative was created with a simple yet profound purpose: to reconnect pastures with consumers. Through artisanal meat products inspired by traditional recipes, the aim is for everyone to enjoy dishes that convey much more than just flavour. Each bite tells the story of the landscape, the livestock trade and the hands that transform the products of the land into responsible and tasty food with honesty and care.

With this idea in mind, various gastronomic experiences have been organised to bring this project closer to the public. On 6 December, a tasting was held at the Orduña (Biscay) market and the following day, a hamburger and beer pairing was held at the BEDARBIDE facilities. On 20 December, just before the Christmas holidays, an activity called the taste laboratory will also be held in Orduña, a space designed to experiment and share sensations with a good bite to eat.

These activities give consumers the opportunity to rediscover traditional recipes and a way of doing things that respects the environment and strengthens the ties between the countryside and people.

BELARDITIK ETXERA is much more than a project: it is a commitment to sustainability, innovation and the direct connection between the field and the table. An initiative that strengthens the local economy, recovers traditional knowledge and ensures that future generations will find a solid sector full of opportunities.