Brussels, 28/08/2008 (Agence Europe) - French Agriculture Minister Michel Barnier has organised a European conference on the challenges and future of the EU sheep industry, to be held in Limoges on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September. The purpose of the conference is to bring politicians and industry representatives together to reflect on the future of the sector and how 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, says the French Presidency of the Council of the EU. It adds that the benefits of sheep production are very significant: skilled livestock farmers, a very positive public image, high-quality products. Added to this, it says, 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, etc.
With 1.1 billion head of sheep, the global 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 by 20% in 15 years. The European sheep flock now has 110 million ewes, and 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.
A number of avenues will be explored: - intensifying research and training; - rebalancing of public aid to benefit the sheep sector; - 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. (L.C./transl.rt)