S.Coop. Agricola Lurgintza

Sheep farming in the Basque Country is mainly related to latxa breed. It is one of the most primitive sheep breeds that, thanks to its survival instinct and ability to adapt, has managed to remain in the rugged Basque landscapes. Its name is closely linked to its appearance, latxa means coarse, rough in Basque, in clear reference to the quality of its wool. It´s a dairy breed and the milk is highly appreciated for its nutritional properties. Half of the milk produced in the Basque Country is used to elaborate cheese in their own cheese factories. Normally, latxa sheep graze outdoors all year round, to a greater or lesser extent depending on the weather.

Short transhumance is common, in which the herd is located in low areas during the production season and then, when the hottest months arrive, climb to the highest pastures of the mountain. For this reason, the latxa fulfills an ecological function of great value. And by feeding on the forage found in the mountains, it takes advantage of resources that would otherwise be lost. In addition, it manages to clean the mountains in a natural way, actively collaborating in the conservation of landscapes.

When we talk about the latxa sheep we refer to a production system linked to the environment, which takes advantage of the resources found in the area's meadows and mountains. Society relates sheep production to sustainability, and from the agricultural sector we know that it can still be improved, achieving even more efficient production. That is why having a tested tool and data from other similar regions is necessary, to have a starting point and to obtain examples of improvement.

The key to the adequate participation of ranchers in the project is correct communication. We know that ranchers are responsible, they understand and know the environment and they take care of it by tradition and because it is their way of life, but they have lost faith in so many projects in which they see themselves participating but from which they do not perceive results. All this, together with the demonization of the sector by different interests, discourages them.