Economics of sheep grazing of heathlands in eastern Germany

Abstract

In eastern Germany, cultural-historical heath lands occur adjacent to the north western heath lands, of which the Luneburg heath land is a well known example. Most heath lands in Brandenburg were afforested long before the German heath lands were mapped by Graebner. The Heideschnucke is an undemanding and robust sheep breed, which are kept for their useful characteristics regarding landscape conservation. Heidschnucke campaign was initiated, making use of the registered quality seal of the Luneburg Heidschnucke Breeders Association. Meat from the Lower Lusatia Heathland Landscape Natural Park in Brandenburg is sold under a special brand. The farmers' revenue from selling under the brand name doubles the selling price. The main income of the sheep farmer is derived from a cultural landscape conservation programme of the Federal state of Brandenburg, which is co-financed by the second pillar of the European Union Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Keywords: Brandenburg; cultural landscape conservation programme; eastern Germany; European union common agricultural policy; Luneburg Heidschnucke breeders association; Lusatia heathland landscape natural park; sheep grazing