Conference: "The challenges and future of the European sheep industry" 4-5 September 2008 - Limoges
Sheep sector conference
© Pascal Xicluna / Ministerium für Landwirtschaft und Fischerei
- from: 04.09.2008
- to: 05.09.2008
- In: Limoges
In view of the critical situation of ovine production in Europe, the French Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Michel Barnier, took the initiative to hold a European conference on 4 and 5 September in Limoges. The conference will enable policy makers and industry representatives to reflect on the sector's future and on possible measures to ensure its sustainability.
The sheep sector, particularly the meat-production branch, generates income levels among the lowest in the agricultural sector. This vulnerability is aggravated by rising commodity prices.
The benefits of sheep production are very significant (e.g. skilled livestock farmers, a very positive public image, high-quality products). The maintenance of the industry is often crucial to the continuing viability of the living economic fabric of many difficult geographical areas, where it is the last line of defence against desertification. Added to this is an environmental role of the highest importance: its maintenance of natural meadowlands and its upkeep of grazing land helps protect biodiversity, combat forest fires and avalanches and preserve the landscape.
With 1.1 billion head, the global sheep flock has shrunk by 5% in the space of 15 years. Only China, the leading producer with 170 million head, has expanded its national flock. In Europe, production has fallen back by 20% in 15 years. The European sheep flock now has 110 million ewes. The European Union is only 80% self-sufficient in this area. Average annual consumption per capita in the European Union, which is in steady decline, is now no more than 3.4 kg, down from 3.7 kg in 2000. The agriculture ministers from the main countries concerned in Europe (Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain and Romania) and the countries that will hold the EU Presidency in 2009 (Sweden and the Czech Republic), the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, industry experts and stakeholders have been invited to reflect on ways to ensure the sector's long-term viability and dynamism.
A number of avenues will be explored:
- intensifying research and training in order to consolidate an industry that requires a high level of technical expertise,
- rebalancing of public aid to benefit the sheep sector, which is not among those which receives most assistance,
- stimulating production and consumption by improving the organisation of market supply and more intensive promotion of lamb and more sophisticated products to meet the expectations of today's consumers.
Conclusions of the European sheep industry conference (Report)
- Updated: 18.12.2008
