Status Quo and barriers of the expansion of organic sheep husbandry in Germany

Summary

Conclusions
Potential development of sheep husbandry in organic farming in Germany was identified as follows:
- Optimisation of existing sheep husbandry in organic farming:
The main problems resulting from Council Regulation (EC) No. 2092/91 are appropriate feeding and lamb breeding strategies and health management. To address these weaknesses further research activities are necessary.
- Conversion of conventional sheep farms to organic production methods
will only become an interesting option when the problems identified are addressed. Only then support measures will actually become an incentive to convert.
- Introduction of sheep husbandry in existing organic farms:
Sheep husbandry can easily be introduced in existing organic farms due to the many different uses and husbandry options.