mEATquality

Our app helps farmers evaluate the sustainability of their production systems through tailored surveys designed for organic and conventional chicken and pig farms. By selecting the survey that fits their specific case, farmers receive an interactive assessment covering key dimensions such as environmental, social, economic, and animal welfare impacts. The app then generates an overall sustainability score and provides personalized recommendations to support practical improvements on the farm. mEATquality is a European research initiative supported by Horizon 2020. Our mission is to bridge the gap between sustainable farming practices and high-quality meat by studying how extensive husbandry methods (free-range, organic, etc.) impact the intrinsic quality of pork and broiler meat. What We Do: - We analyze consumer attitudes around sustainable meat production, investigating how people perceive meat quality in relation to animal welfare, environmental impact, and production methods. - We run on-farm controlled studies across different farming system, conventional and organic, examining how genetics, diet, space, and enrichment influence meat quality. - We develop innovative tools to improve traceability and authenticity of meat products, including blockchain-based systems and fingerprinting techniques to fight food fraud. - We create new methods to assess sustainability, covering animal welfare, environmental impact, and economic viability, including life cycle analysis and stress-hormone biomarkers. - We support farmers and value-chain partners by co-creating practical solutions: from advisory apps to training materials and a meat-authentication database. Why It Matters: - With growing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable meat, mEATquality helps ensure that farm practices can be more extensive without sacrificing quality. - The app we're building will assist farmers in exploring "what-if" scenarios for making their farms more sustainable, balancing welfare, economics, and environment. - By improving transparency and traceability, we empower consumers to make informed choices about the meat they buy. - Our research supports the EU's Farm-to-Fork Strategy, contributing to more sustainable food systems.