The conservation of our rare endangered breeds is a genetic base which can provide important information for future breeding. Furthermore an old national treasure is preserved, which can characterise a whole region, grade up the landscape and enhance tourism. Endangered breeds are often kept by idealists, who can have a loss of income. Financial support is needed.

 

The support of the husbandry of the endangered breeds is managed by the European Union and is part of the development of rural areas. There is the possibility to support all farmers, who take part in the Austrian Programme for an Environmentally Friendly Agriculture and keep listed endangered breeds.  These subsidies do not increase production, they present approval for the difficult breeding work.

 

  

At the moment there are base subsidies and supplements for highly endangered breeds, which are involved in the OPTIMATE programme.