In 2021, a collaborative effort emerged within the meat sector across Europe, reported by EL PERIÓDICO DE CATALUNYA as part of the Prensa Ibérica group. A consortium of 21 meat industry companies aimed to mobilize European funds to support a complete value chain from farm to retailer. The objective was to channel more than 3.5 billion euros through the sector, spurring a wide range of investments and projects. By 2023, the government strategy shifted toward backing 22 project applications with an impact of roughly 755 million euros, a figure that represented about a quarter of the 3 billion euros initially envisioned to be mobilized. This shift triggered a large wave of grant applications, with funds requested around 394.4 million euros and private participation exceeding a billion euros framed by executive plans. Source: LLYC
PERTE, the strategic framework behind these efforts, was originally designed to coordinate budgets that spanned several ministries. Its declared aim centers on investing in agri‑food value chains by promoting sustainability and digitization. In practice, execution has been broader: the plan did not crystallize into a single 1,000‑million‑euro flagship project. Instead, it comprises multiple European fund programs that collectively pursue the same broad objective. The principal axis remains industry‑driven investment, totaling about 510 million euros, although agriculture did not formally contribute a separate ministry budget at the outset. The digital kit, highlighted as the second axis, continues to be a major emphasis, with research programs from the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Agriculture each advancing their own agendas. Source: LLYC
Fernando Moraleda, who directs LLYC’s Next Generation Agro office, explained that the 2021 meat‑industry concept sought to modernize the entire chain. The current call, while sector‑specific, mirrors the earlier momentum in timing and intent. There is a sense that, once this PERTE runs its course, a second round could incorporate lessons learned, similar to experiences in other advanced sectors. There is also a push for inter‑ministerial cooperation to ensure the primary sector benefits from a coordinated budget rather than simply summing investments from separate ministries. Source: LLYC
Looking forward, policymakers are urged to back a new call under a revised state aid framework proposed by the European Commission. The proposed changes aim to expand eligible donations, support new constructions, and encourage grouping of projects to improve agility and cross‑sector coordination. The overarching goal is to streamline execution and reduce red tape. These reforms are viewed as essential to accelerating the transition toward a more sustainable and digital agri‑food system. Source: LLYC
Among the 22 proposals are participants from the original macro‑project, including the Vall Group of Companies, Argal, and Noel. They seek a 67‑million‑euro grant role that could generate a 120‑million‑euro impact, according to LLYC. Three concrete projects emerged: Carnity, led by Grupo Argal; Meatway, led by Grupo Vall Companys; and Inno Meat, under Santa Claustotal. In total, 57 entities participated, with notable names such as Guissona Food Company, La Comarca Meats, Facsa Missa, Famadesa, Fribin, and Guijuelo Slaughterhouse among the players. Source: LLYC
The collective investment amounts to approximately 120.7 million euros across three projects, with 67 million euros allocated as public funding and 53.67 million euros sourced from private funds. The initiative spans multiple sub‑sectors, including pigs, cattle, sheep, and poultry, and covers eleven autonomous communities. The overall aim is to influence, transform, and modernize the meat value chain toward greater sustainability and digital integration within the broader agri‑food industry. Public support comprises 39.9 million euros in grants and 27.1 million euros in loans, signaling a blended financing approach designed to unlock private investment while accelerating modernization. Source: LLYC