Focusing on feed autonomy and complementarity among regions to ensure the profitability of sheep suckler operations and reassure industries
Résumé
Given the increase in organic sheep operations, a related action-research project has been established. It surveyed a network of 49 organic sheep farmers and obtained technical, socioeconomic, and environmental findings. Compared to conventional systems, organic systems are less intensive (e.g., lower ewe productivity, farm income, concentrate levels). Environmental impacts (e.g., greenhouse-gas emissions, energy consumption, and water quality [per ha or per kg produced]) are generally equivalent or lower. In organic systems, effectively exploiting grass reinforces feed autonomy, thus increasing operating revenue A national observatory for sheep meat production volumes will help develop the industry and account for production costs.