A conservation network in Iceland

Slow Food’s Icelandic Settlers Hen Presidium describes a living conservation effort involving farmers and the Icelandic Chicken Owners and Breeders Association, ERL. The organization reports that ERL continued preservation and educational work from 2003, following earlier involvement by the Agricultural Research Institute. Keeping the landrace depends on people maintaining flocks and passing on practical knowledge as well as protecting ancestry.

The project describes outdoor foraging within Iceland’s seasonal limits. Rain, snow and frost can restrict access to natural feed for long periods, so its account includes supplementary feeding. Adaptation to Iceland does not mean birds can obtain an adequate diet in every winter situation without human help. The Presidium also has its own production protocol, supported by the Icelandic Genetic Resource Council. Those project commitments should be distinguished from a universal certification requirement for every Icelandic chicken.