Farmers’ needs and challenges in Greek rangelands
A workshop conducted at the Dadia Information Center in Evros, Greece, identified key needs and challenges faced by farmers in rangeland areas. With regard to practices and management of extensive ruminant farming systems, the 28 participants (14 farmers mainly engaged in sheep, cattle, and goat production, 1 agricultural advisor, 3 representatives of public organizations, and 10 researchers) reported disease-related losses (e.g. sheeppox), predation, and limited access to drinking water as major challenges. They also highlighted the need for rangeland restoration and improvement, as well as more effective grazing and pasture management, including rural road rehabilitation. The second topic focused on the use and sharing of rangeland areas among stakeholders. Participants identified conflicts with alternative land uses such as wind farms, solar panels, hunting activities, power lines, religious land uses, forestry, and other agricultural and livestock activities, along with pressures from predation and water scarcity. Consequently, they emphasized the need to reduce land-use conflicts, promote rangeland regeneration, and improve grazing management. In addition, they stressed the importance of raising public awareness of rangeland practices and their benefits for more sustainable land use, which is also linked to the third thematic area. The final topic addressed the development and promotion of rangeland products and services. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen public awareness of rangeland practices and benefits, as well as to enhance social cohesion and ties within rural communities.
Additional information
The DIGI-Rangeland project brings together partners from 10 countries, coordinating national networks (France, Romania, Greece, Spain, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland), and also disseminating its knowledge within the Balkan network with its Croatian partner. Consult our publications and documents on the project website: https://digirangeland.eu
DIGItal innovation and data technology network for RANGELAND livestock farming systems
Ongoing | 2025-2029
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France, Romania, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, United kingdom, Switzerland