The future of the sheep and goat sector in Europe

Following a reminder of the current rules governing sheep and goat production in the European Union, this study presents the main features and challenges of the sheep and goat sector in the EU. It analyses the impact of greater liberalisation through the WTO and draws up recommendations. Finally, it sets out detailed proposals for the possible development of public policy in the light of the main issues addressed. Some of the proposals comply with the Community rules in force and others will require adjustments to be made. Executive summary : Ernst & Young Government Services, together with the French Livestock Institute, has been commissioned to carry out a study into the future of the sheep and goat sector in Europe. The study seeks to analyse the characteristics of the sector and its prospects and, bearing in mind what is principally at issue here, to formulate specific proposals with a view to the adoption of a future regulation on this matter. The study was carried out between December 2007 and February 2008. National experts from the major producer Member States (France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Romania, Spain and the United Kingdom) were asked to conduct interviews with some stakeholders in their countries, to draft a discussion paper and to attend a one-day workshop. Additional interviews were conducted with MEPs, DG AGRI, DG SANCO and EU representatives from the sector in order to ascertain their points of view and test the proposals. [...]