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Mediterranean livestock production systems operate in an environment characterized by
a high degree of dynamism and uncertainty. Mediterranean livestock farming systems
have adapted to this context and have taken advantage of the diversity of lands that
characterize the Mediterranean area, interacting strongly with the land and the
environment. Furthermore, the singularity of Mediterranean livestock products,
appreciated by a wide range of consumers, and the contribution of the livestock systems
to the maintenance of the natural environment as well as of the population fabric in
many rural areas, are some of the strengths of these systems, which could provide an
opportunity for their sustainability and development.
This publication compiles all the contributions presented at the Second Seminar of the
Scientific and Professional Network on Mediterranean Livestock Farming (RME) on
"Mediterranean Livestock Production: Uncertainties and Opportunities", held in
Zaragoza (Spain) from 18 to 20 May 2006. The Seminar was the continuation of the First
Seminar, held in Montpellier (France) in March 2004, which enabled the meeting and
the creation of a Network whose basic objective is to favour cooperation and
collaboration regarding the problems related to livestock production in the
Mediterranean, bringing together researchers, rural developers and economic operators
and to include partners from the North, the South and the East of the Mediterranean.
The Seminar counted on the participation of more than 130 scientists and professionals
of the sector from 11 different countries, and was structured around three working
sessions: (i) Sustainability of the livestock production systems and adaptation strategies
to the socio-economic environment; (ii) Characterization of Mediterranean products of
animal origin and social demands; and (iii) Changes and new trends in the distribution
and consumption of products of animal origin in Mediterranean countries.
The large participation and diversity of the contributions presented, as reflected in this
publication (which contains 62 articles), show that this Seminar has contributed to the
exchanges between researchers, technicians, and other professionals of the sector
regarding the problems of livestock production systems in the Mediterranean basin and
has also meant great progress towards consolidating the Mediterranean Livestock
Network.
