Iberian Grazing for Biodiversity

In Spain, the sheep and goat sector represents 12% of the Final Livestock Production; specifically, goat production has been concentrated in the south and centre of the country.

Given the physical characteristics of this species, goats have been used in extensive and semi-extensive production models, specifically in arid and semi-desert areas, helping to conserve the environment and create employment in these territories, as well as generating quality production in difficult ecological environments. However, in the last two decades goat farming has faced strong changes linked to the consumption of its products, directly impacting the form of production and coinciding with the transformation of the model towards more intensive ones.

We want to increase the recognition of goat grazing as a way of life that supports the conservation of biodiversity in certain environments. Our commitment is focused on demonstrating, through pilot farms, the benefits of grazing and sustainable extensive livestock farming.

We will create pilot experiences in 3 Spanish regions with areas of high biodiversity value that need to be preserved and where goat farming is a key resource: Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and Valencia.

The transfer of knowledge will be a key part of this initiative, which will prioritise the training of profiles related to goat production, with a focus on: livestock farming, technical staff and primary sector organisations.

This project was born thanks to the support of Kering, together with Conservation International, which launched its Regenerative Fund for Nature to support the transition of the fashion industry towards regenerative agriculture. Their goal is to transform 1,000,000 hectares of crops and grasslands into regenerative grazing spaces over the next five years.

FGN was the only Spanish entity selected to participate in such an ambitious goal.