LSIRDnetwork subgroup 1

The integrated development of livestock systems

Dr George Zervas

CAP reform has changed fundamentally the nature and scale of objectives for livestock farming in marginal agricultural areas. Production systems must still maximise the income to farmers but an increasing proportion of income is derived now from environmental measures such as extensification premia and in certain countries by environmental management agreements. Appropriate livestock systems actively maintain rich habitats, biodiversity and traditional landscapes.

Livestock production is, in many of the disadvantaged areas of Europe, the most important commercial activity and, as such, is a key element of rural development policy. Livestock products that can be processed and marketed in the region of origin have an important role in the maintenance of non-farming employment opportunities. This process is enhanced by the development of high product quality and the institution of standards and quality labels for regional products.

A network will be established of approximately 10 scientists working on the development of extensive livestock production systems appropriate for disadvantaged areas. Sub-group 1 will have three main objectives:

• The integration of livestock systems research in disadvantaged areas in the context of developments in the political and economic environment;
• The dissemination of technical developments in appropriate livestock systems throughout the EU to the other subgroups;
• Participate in the conduct of two of the feasibility studies to assess the relative economic and environmental advantages of alternative options for diversification in disadvantaged areas - speciality animal fibres and extensified systems.