Grazing Animals Seen as Wildfire Prevention Tool

While firefighters in France and Spain battle massive wildfires, an unconventional solution involving farm animals is gaining increasing support. Both the European Commission and the EU's largest farmers' organization have this year endorsed the use of goats, sheep and cattle to graze on vegetation that facilitates the spread of fire during hot summers.

Research credits grazing animals with slowing the spread of fires in the regions of Extremadura, Andalusia and Valencia. Experts caution, however, that livestock farmers are often dependent on government subsidies.

The European Commission has identified grazing as one of the preventive solutions and plans to support farmers starting in 2028 through new payments under the Common Agricultural Policy. It is also developing a financial mechanism with the European Investment Bank to invest in the livestock sector.

In Spain, projects are already underway in which animals graze on vegetation in selected high-risk areas, and farmers sell their products under a special label. Experts warn, however, that even large herds cannot stop all fires under extreme conditions. They emphasize that grazing must be part of a broader strategy for preventive landscape management, not the sole solution.

(Politico, bak)