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The Andalusia region in Spain is using ESF funding to protect a native breed of mountain sheep while helping local sheep farmers to keep up with the growing demand for organic products. The breed of sheep, called ‘Loja’ after the mountains in the region, was declared a native species in danger of extinction in 2007. In response, the Loja Sheep Breed Association, which includes livestock farmers in the region, sought ‘organic’ status for the breed which was awarded by the Andalusian Committee for Organic Farming. The organic label certifies that the resulting organic lamb product is sourced from animals reared in an environmentally friendly manner which also preserves the breed. In parallel, ESF co-funding was used to train and certify more than 30 local sheep farmers in organic livestock farming methods – this training is now mandatory for members of the Loja Sheep Breed Association. As a result, in December 2010 the first ‘Christmas organic lamb’ from the Loja region will be hitting the dinner tables in the region and beyond. And encouraged by the success so far, the Association’s 57 members are making plans to offer training in handmade organic cheese-making as another way of preserving rural livelihoods through finding new ways to add value.
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