Organic husbandry in Greece with special emphasis in the Prefecture of Xanthi (NE Greece)
This article presents some information on organic husbandry in Greece. Specifically, information is given on the rules appled for organic husbandry, the current system of inspection and certification as well as the actions to integrate a traditional farm on it. It also presents data on organic husbandry in Greece in general and particularly in the prefecture of Xanthi. Finally, the problems that probably caused the decline of organic husbandry in the county are discussed and suggestions are given for reversing the current negative trend.
Services and values provided by the Trifolium taxa of the flora of northern Greece
The taxa of the botanical family Fabaceae consist one of the most important functional group of Mediterranean rangelands, given that they play significant, ecological, environmental and economic role. The present research focuses in the services and values provided by 32 Trifolium taxa of the flora of northern Greece (Macedonia, Thrace) by aiming at the promotion of the multiple uses and values that these taxa may provide to man. The attempt refers mainly to values for grazing, establishing meadows, land reclamation, pharmacology, apiculture, and for phytochemistry and genetics.
Current condition of pure hair goat grazing in forest areas in Turkey: Constraints, possibilities and solutions
In this study, the pure hair goat (Capra hircus L.) in Turkey have been analyzed. Pure hair goat raising is an important means of subsistence for the villagers living in this district, providing them with income and food security. In accordance with the provisions of Forest Law No. 6831, the forest administration has prohibited the grazing of pure hair goats in these areas which are part of a public forest. Upon presenting the provisions of the said law as justification, lawsuits are being filed against villagers who graze pure hair goats, and those who are found guilty are fined and imprisoned. Furthermore, the forest administration is putting pressure on villagers to make them quit pure hair goat breeding. There are significant problems faced in utilizing forest resources in pure goat breeding Turkey. Therefore, the following interventions are proposed to ensure that the pure hair goat breeding system is productive, sustainable and stable: (1) The forest administration should allow villagers to use the forest resources and the forest areas should be classified as a separate business class entitled pure hair goat grazing class in the forest management plans, (2) Excessive and irregular grazing conducted by villagers should be stopped, (3) Grazing plans should be prepared according to the results of this research, (4) Pure hair goat breeders should be organized and the grazing program should be regulated by the organization of which these persons are members, (5) The forest administration should inspect whether grazing is performed in a sustainable manner.
The impact of extensive sheep and goat farming on the socio-economic structure of the less-favored areas in the Mediterranean zone
The socio-economic structures related to the extensive sheep and goat farming in the Less-Favored Areas (LFAs) in the Mediterranean zone is widely discussed and analyzed to promote the development of economically, environmentally and socially sustainable production systems. Areas in Greece, Italy and Cyprus are studied as a model of LFA where small ruminant production consists one of the two major sectors of economy and is mainly based on the natural sources of the area. SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is applied as a valuable adjunct to the experimental research for it helps to organize the information and analyze the representation of physical processes, so that predictions can be made. The survey is part of the research undertaken through the European Programme INTERREG IIIB “New technologies supporting the traditional and historical dairy in the Archimed Zone” with the acronym “T-cheese.Med”.
Animal husbandry and quality of life
Cultural landscapes have been derived from the long-term interaction between human activities and nature and constitute a cultural, social, ecological and economic heritage for humanity. These landscapes reflect the way of life of the inhabitants (farmers or stockkeepers) in a region. Pastures, where traditional practices of land management are applied belong in this category and they are closely connected to Greek history and tradition. Flora of Greek pastures is very rich and can ensure livestock products, with such organoleptic characteristics that are unique. Pastures and qualitative livestock products contribute to the development of agrotourism and gastronomic tourism, through recreation, tradition and the environment they offer and since they provide local dishes of high dietetic value, which attract tourists. The key for a sustainable use of pasture resources is traditional management.
