Published July 27, 2022
| Version v1
Publication
Appraisal of the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep systems to the organic production model
Description
In the Mediterranean Basin, sheep meat production systems are based on grazing, and help to
conserve biodiversity, mitigate the greenhouse gases emissions and maintain the population in
rural areas. However, the lack of differentiation of pastoral systems, as opposed to the intensive
model, puts its continuity at risk. In this sense, organic farming can be an alternative to sustain
extensive sheep-cereal production systems in marginal Mediterranean drylands. The aim of this
research was to evaluate the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep production systems
to the organic production model in the Mediterranean Basin, working with the autochthonous
Segureña breed sheep. 46 farms were studied, classified into four clusters by mean of multivari ate analysis. In order to determine the degree to which farms approached the organic model,
60 variables, grouped into nine indicators were analyzed to obtain an Organic Conversion
Index (OCI). The Nutritional management indicator has a high value of approaching the
organic model, as well as Animal welfare and Food safety. Marketing and business management,
Breeds and reproduction, Weed and pest control and Sustainable pasture management indicators
also reach a good approximation level. Only the Breeds and reproduction indicator presented
values with significant differences between clusters. The average value of the OCI for the 46
farms ranges from 63 to 70%, and therefore it can be concluded that extensive meat sheep
herds in the region are close to this production model. Among the recommendations that
can be made to improve the conversion possibilities to the organic model are: (i) to increase
own fodder production or find a way to obtain it easily and economically; (ii) to complete
the plant−soil−animal cycle, (iii) to seek greater marketing autonomy and (iv) to achieve closer
contact with the final consumer. At the same time, government policy both in Spain and other
parts of Europe should persevere to find more ways to support the progress of this type of pro duction, in an effort to address limitations and overcome the lack of alternative markets.
Additional details
Identifiers
- URL
- https://idus.us.es/handle//11441/135880
- URN
- urn:oai:idus.us.es:11441/135880