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Oct 23 2026
International Guest Visits FIGZAFRA 2026 to Promote Spanish Black Merino Sheep
French pastoralism expert Joseph Boussion visited FIGZAFRA from October 1st to 4th to explore the acquisition of Spanish Black Merino sheep for a transhumance project in France.
On the occasion of FIGZAFRA 2026, which took place at the beginning of October, one of Spain’s leading livestock events, Joseph Boussion, a shepherd and consultant in agro-pastoral systems, learned about Spanish livestock genetics, with a particular focus on the Spanish Black Merino breed. The visit was organised by ICEX within the framework of the Spain Food Nation agreement with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA).
Boussion’s Carnet de Berger project, planned for 2027, aims to revive traditional transhumance through a journey of more than 400 kilometres across southwestern France with 200 Spanish Black Merino sheep. The initiative seeks to promote soil regeneration, preserve agricultural landscapes and reduce wildfire risks through extensive grazing in Saint-Émilion vineyards and the Pyrenees.
During the fair, he met representatives of the Spanish livestock sector, including the General Director of Agricultural Production and Markets at MAPA, the Mayor of Zafra, the Royal Spanish Federation of Selected Livestock Breeds Associations and the National Association of Merino Sheep Breeders, as well as Spanish Merino breeders.
After visiting the fair, the international delegation had also the opportunity to visit some black merino sheep farms in the region of Extremadura, including Caminos de la Merina-Ganadería Francisco Javier, Merinospain-Ganadería Merina J.Ortiz o Merinas de Higuera.
This initiative generated international visibility for FIGZAFRA and the Spanish Selected Livestock breeds from Spain through social media and press coverage, highlighting the value of Spanish livestock genetics and sustainable pastoralism, under the scope of the trademark Livestock Genetics from Spain.
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