MOVING Project - Sheep farmers' cooperative in Styria

Sheep farming in Austria's mountainous regions has deep roots, traditionally used for grazing steep slopes and producing meat, milk, and wool. After declining post-World War II, a cooperative in the Weiz region revived the practice in the 1970s. Comprising small-scale farms averaging 25 sheep each, the cooperative addresses challenges like limited processing capacity, weak market access, and low bargaining power. It now operates its own dairy and meat processing facilities, runs a retail shop, owns a stake in a local slaughterhouse, and markets premium lamb, dairy products, and whey-based cosmetics. The cooperative has been supported by the LEADER programme for 25 years, ensuring regional integration. All value chain activities are local, with products distributed through regional and Styrian channels, including supermarkets, restaurants, e-commerce, and farm shops. The cooperative enables sustainable, high-quality growth for farmers while maintaining strong regional economic ties.