Barriers to innovation in European sheep farming

Significant barriers to innovation in European sheep farming include limited development of sheep-specific technologies and veterinary medicines, leading to high costs, poor access, and extended drug withdrawal periods. Stakeholders highlight the sector's perceived small scale and low profitability, discouraging private investment. Cold spots with few specialized veterinarians further restrict care. SheepNet, a Horizon 2020 initiative, recommends targeted public funding, infrastructure development, and public-private partnerships to support sheep-specific innovations in farm management and veterinary training. A core EU veterinary group or collaboration with the Sheep Veterinary Society is proposed to strengthen expertise. Without systemic support, farmers—especially innovative ones—face constraints due to inadequate resources and market incentives. These findings, detailed in a 30/08/2019 policy brief, emphasize the need for policy interventions to ensure sustainable productivity and equitable access to innovations in the European sheep farming sector.