AN ANALYSIS OF SHEEP AND GOAT FARMING IN SANTA CATARINA: SUPPORT MEASURES FOR THE SECTOR

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The raising of sheep, goats and similar animals dates back thousands of years, as soon as man managed to domesticate the animals. Dozens of breeds of these two species have been introduced throughout history in the southern states of Brazil. Since the southern region is in a temperate climate zone, with clear demarcation of the four seasons of the year, with regions of different altitudes, different microclimates, intense summers and very cold winters, the introduced breeds underwent a process of adaptation and genetic improvements, constituting lineages of excellent quality and productivity. There are still some challenges inherent to the production, production chains, and marketing and markets of products from sheep and goat farming in the state of Santa Catarina and their greater presence in the national and international markets. Therefore, the State of Santa Catarina, through the Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock, determined in 2023 studies to develop public policies to support the sector. In 2024, it established a new Sector Chamber at CEDERURAL, the Sector Chamber of Sheep and Goat Farming.