It is widely recognized that the progressive reduction of extensive animal farming poses significant difficulties in sustainably managing the natural landscape, preventing devastating forest fires, and promoting biodiversity in ecosystems. However, in the Barcelona province, there is also a growing concern about the impact of this trend on animal welfare and the ability to provide the population with healthy, high-quality meat. For this reason, the Barcelona Provincial Council has implemented a remote grazing solution that eliminates the need for physical fences and allows shepherds and livestock farmers to control their animals from mobile phones. The herds can now roam freely in meadows and forests, which improves their diet and quality of life.

The corporation has also facilitated the creation of the first-ever mobile abattoir in Spain, a pioneering and innovative piece of equipment that provides support to small sheep and goat producers located in Bages, Berguedà, Moianès and Osona. Co-financed by Barcelona Provincial Council and FEDER funds as part of the BCN Smart Rural strategy, the mobile abattoir means shepherds and livestock farmers no longer have to travel long distances to slaughter their animals. This reduction in travel time significantly reduces the stress on cattle and, as a result, improves meat quality. Additionally, it reduces the economic expenditure and environmental impact of transportation.

The use of virtual enclosures and mobile abattoirs are two innovative solutions that significantly enhance the welfare of grazing animals in the counties of Barcelona. These solutions also improve the quality of life and work for the people responsible for taking care of the animals. To highlight this achievement, the new short film from 'BCN Smart Rural Stories' pays tribute to these solutions. Entitled 'Ethical Meat', the audiovisual features Xevi Quirante, a farmer from La Casanova, a small company that raises cows on pasture and has been using GPS herd control technology for months. It also includes Xavier Orriols, a farmer from Cal Miquel, who uses the mobile abattoir to sacrifice his sheep; and Pere Navarro, an expert in agroforestry innovation at Barcelona Provincial Council.

For more information about these facilities and tools, please contact Pere Navarro, land engineer of the Territorial Agrarian Directorate of Barcelona Provincial Council.

— BCN Smart Rural Editorial —