Processing and marketing: the legislation

摘要

The sheep and goat dairy sector, due to its intrinsic characteristics, has somehow been left aside and neglected by the Common Agricultural Policy. In fact, there is not a particular Common Organization of the Market for this production. Although such a sector only partakes of some non-specific measures included in both the Common Organization of the Market in sheep meat and goat meat and the Common Organization of the Market in milk and milk products, it is subject to requirements specifically established in the applicable legislation related to the hygienic quality of both milk and milk products. The budgetary restrictions imposed by Agenda 2000 make us presuppose difficulties when trying to improve the level of direct aids, which at present reach the sector due to their participation in the meat production sector. Nevertheless, the CAP evolution from a price-support concept, at the beginning, towards a multifunctional approach, in which the sheep and goat dairy sector, or at least a considerable part of it, seems to fit perfectly. That is why the above mentioned sector must be ready to make the most of the opportunities for its development that such an approach offers.