SHORT DESCRIPTION
The farm located in El Raso (Candeleda), in a protected area, has 500 goats of Verata breed that graze daily in nearby fields. Maribel has gradually increased the herd size and, in the future, she expects to reach 700 goats. The hard work of Maribel, married and mother of two children, the oldest of eight brothers (three of them disabled) has contributed to the awareness of rural women. Moreover, the farm is located on a less favoured area
INNOVATION
She developed a modern goat farm and devotes her life to animal safeguard by breeding Veratas a goat breed in risk of disappearance. These goals imply technological developments in the milking parlour, diversification (elaboration of goat milk soaps), an efficient use of renewable resources, a proper waste management and direct selling to hotels and restaurants throughout Spain. The project started in 1994 and it is innovative in several areas; the latest technological innovations introduced in the milking parlour are gauges and specific teat cups for the Verata breed, that improve suction and animal welfare, and improvements in the control of feeding. In the meantime, she became a reference for goat stockbreeders by her achievements in higher efficiency, sustainable management of resources and the preservation of the Verata breed. The visit of the farm is free and became a tourist attraction in the region.
