News

• The information leaflet on extensive livestock farming published by the CAP Network explains how grazing contributes to reducing the risk of fires and maintaining ecosystems.
• The document includes tools and success stories promoted by the General State Administration

Extensive livestock farming plays a key role in maintaining rural areas and conserving the natural environment. Beyond its productive function, this model contributes to land management and the prevention of forest fires, an increasingly relevant challenge in the current context of climate transition.

With the aim of raising awareness of its importance and the tools available for such conservation efforts, the CAP Network has published the brochure “Extensive livestock farming: a natural ally for the prevention of forest fires” , a document that compiles initiatives and support promoted by the General State Administration.

Benefits of conserving extensive livestock farming

Extensive livestock farming not only produces food, but also generates positive effects on the natural and social environment. Among its main contributions:

• Fire prevention : grazing helps reduce the accumulation of biomass and plant fuel, decreasing the risk of forest fires.

• Landscape conservation : favors the creation of mosaic landscapes that act as natural firebreaks.

• Soil protection : contributes to maintaining its fertility and regulating water cycles.

• Territorial cohesion : sustains economic and social activity in rural areas, helping to curb depopulation.

Thanks to these functions, extensive livestock farming is positioned as an effective tool to reconcile production, sustainability and risk prevention.

MAPA Support

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) concentrates a large part of the support tools for extensive livestock farming through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and other initiatives:

• CAP direct aid ( PEPAC 2023-2027 ) : includes the extensive grazing eco-scheme , associated aid for cattle, sheep and goat farmers, as well as forestry and sustainable pasture management commitments.

• Indirect support to the sector : advisory services, training activities and knowledge exchanges .

• Boosting innovation : cooperation through the Operational Groups ( OGs ) of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability ( EIP-Agri ) .

• Rural development programs : initiatives such as LEADER .

• Support networks : such as the PAC Network or the AKIS Platform .

• Other tools : such as the official breed catalogue .

Support from MITECO

For its part, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) reinforces the role of extensive livestock farming as a fire prevention tool through strategic documents and technical guidelines:

• Strategic guidelines for the management of forest fires in Spain.

• Spanish Forestry Strategy. Horizon 2050.

• Position of the Committee for the Fight Against Fires (CLIF).

• Studies on the impact and adaptation to climate change of extensive livestock systems.

These tools allow grazing to be integrated into forest planning and climate change adaptation strategies.

The role of society

The information leaflet also focuses on how citizens can contribute to strengthening extensive livestock farming:

• Betting on the consumption of products from this model.

• Promoting awareness through environmental education or agritourism.

• Participating in training initiatives, such as shepherding schools .

• Maintaining respect for the territory , especially in areas where livestock pass through.

With this new brochure, the CAP Network continues to provide practical and accessible information to highlight solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient rural environment.