Year 2020, Volume 5, Issue 2

Year : 2020
Volume : 5
Issue : 2
   
Authors : Maria João PARREIRA, Fátima OLIVEIRA, Pedro REIS, Inocêncio COELHO
Title : A PORK VALUE CHAIN IN PORTUGAL: THE CASE STUDY OF PORCO ALENTEJANO, MONTANHEIRA SYSTEM AND TRADITIONAL PRODUCTS
Abstract : For the production of the Porco Alentejano, an autochthonous Portuguese porcine breed, the Montanheira system is a crucial process, corresponding to a period of an intensive pig´s fattening in the Montado. It occurs between October and March, where the pigs freely consume the acorns. Montado is an agro-forestry-pastoral Portuguese system created by the human intervention, which occupies a large part of the territory, being a source of unique products, as the cork and the acorn. Montado´s management is a complex process due to its susceptibility to disturbances of soil and Quercus trees, and a dynamic between the economic activities and the conservation of this system. The objective of this study is to estimate, along the value chain, the Gross Product of the acorn, the Montanheira pig value, and of the fresh meat and final processed products, protected designation of origin (PDO) products. From the secondary information about the Montado area, the Porco Alentejano herds, and with the information collected in the field works, we estimate and present the results. The pig is the most efficient animal in the acorn conversion, multiplying by ten the economic value of food animal resource. The transformation into high quality traditional PDO hams and shoulders increases about 50% the value of the Porco Alentejano reared in Montanheira. The joint between the Montado and the development of rural areas, where the studied animal rearing takes place, is a good example of the balance between the economy, the sustainability of natural resources and cultural heritage.
For citation : Parreira, M. J., Oliveira, F., Reis, P., Coelho, I. (2020). A pork value chain in portugal: the case study of Porco Alentejano, Montanheira system and traditional products. AGROFOR International Journal, Volume 5. Issue No. 2. pp. 62-69. DOI:10.7251/AGRENG2002064P
Keywords : Porco Alentejano, Montado, Montanheira, PDO, Sustainability
   
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