Throughout the month of January, taking advantage of the fact that the herds are in winter quarters, FCQ technicians have traveled through the Sierra de Gredos to analyze the situation of extensive livestock farming in mountain pastures.

The report highlights that, while cattle have doubled their numbers since 1982, sheep have almost disappeared and maintain a token presence, with no more than 1,500 animals. Similar luck has followed the goat herd, because of the large herd that until recently existed on the south side, especially between Candeleda and along the Vera, only 15 farmers have been identified, totaling about 3,400 goats. Although it is possible that some more remain, the total number should not exceed 18 goatherds.

In the coming months, the FCQ will work with these farmers to implement the Probiodiversity label for their production, a model that has been successfully applied in Picos de Europa since 2018.