Mérida (Badajoz), June 16, 2021.- The Regulatory Council of the PGI Lamb from Extremadura ‘Corderex’ claims grazing as a fundamental activity to maintain and regenerate the landscapes of the Extremadura pasture.
According to Raúl Muñiz, technical director of the IGP Cordero de Extremadura, “sheep take advantage of the resources of the areas that are usually the poorest in our geography, thus maintaining a balance with our system and the landscapes we know”.
Sheep farming has been grazing the Extremadura landscapes for more than 3,000 years, consuming poor quality material that without these animals would cover the mountains of the area. In addition, the passage of sheep plays a fundamental role in the fertilization of the land.
Raúl Muñiz explains that “if grazing disappeared, many areas of our geography would be uninhabited and forgotten”. In addition, it must not be forgotten that it generates natural and social benefits and allows emblematic animals of the Iberian fauna such as the Iberian lynx, the imperial eagle and the black vulture to coexist.
Traditional livestock farming benefits ecosystems in many ways such as mitigating forest fires, converting organic matter into minerals available for use by plants, facilitating the existence of important animals such as scavengers or insects, and preventing some plants from dominating communities. vegetables until they extinguish others.
Profile of the pastor in the current world and future of the profession
“Currently and for a few years there are fears due to the low supply of shepherds, something that could end grazing and transhumance, actions that over the years have been classified as vitally important to conserve the environment and generate sustainability in ecosystems”, says the technical director.
The profile of the pastor today is of an advanced age, specifically over 60 years of age, with eminently practical training and who have worked in the fields throughout their lives. “Although it is true that young people are becoming interested in the rural world and are reaching a higher academic training, the number of people who choose to work in the fields does not manage to alleviate the unfavorable situation that the profession of shepherd lives today” , warns Raúl Muñiz.
Importance of the Cordero de Extremadura PGI in the rural world
Today the PGI Cordero de Extremadura stands out for its large production of lambs, around 70,000 heads, but it is not possible to speak of ‘Corderex’ without referring to the 400 families that depend directly on it, in addition to the indirect ones that are many more.
The PGI Cordero de Extremadura promotes the consumption of lamb meat so that grazing and transhumance “do not fall into oblivion and can continue to provide Extremadura with the regeneration of its ecosystem and the sustainability that this produces”, concludes Muñiz.
The transhumant activity has multiple environmental, social and territorial benefits and this form of extensive exploitation should be maintained in the regions in which it forms the landscape, social fabric and economic development. From Corderex they claim recognition and appreciation of this work at the national level, which serves to promote this activity that has been the engine of sustainable development in this territory.
Regulatory Council of Protected Geographical Indication Cordero de Extremadura ‘Corderex’
It is the Regulatory Council of Protected Geographical Indication for lambs that are born in the Dehesas de Extremadura, which protects and protects the lamb carcasses that have met each of the requirements established in its Regulations. Carcasses certified in slaughterhouses will always carry a numbered guarantee seal on the hock of their leg, as well as the seal running along the two half carcasses with the mention ‘CORDEREX’.
For more information:
Regulatory Council IGP ‘Cordero de Extremadura’ Corderex
Raúl Muñiz, technical director
Tel: 924 310 306 [email protected]
www.corderex.com // www.facebook.com/corderodeextremadura/ // @igpcorderex
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