Mediterranean livestock production systems operate in an environment characterized by

a high degree of dynamism and uncertainty. Mediterranean livestock farming systems

have adapted to this context and have taken advantage of the diversity of lands that

characterize the Mediterranean area, interacting strongly with the land and the

environment. Furthermore, the singularity of Mediterranean livestock products,

appreciated by a wide range of consumers, and the contribution of the livestock systems

to the maintenance of the natural environment as well as of the population fabric in

many rural areas, are some of the strengths of these systems, which could provide an

opportunity for their sustainability and development.

This publication compiles all the contributions presented at the Second Seminar of the

Scientific and Professional Network on Mediterranean Livestock Farming (RME) on

"Mediterranean Livestock Production: Uncertainties and Opportunities", held in

Zaragoza (Spain) from 18 to 20 May 2006. The Seminar was the continuation of the First

Seminar, held in Montpellier (France) in March 2004, which enabled the meeting and

the creation of a Network whose basic objective is to favour cooperation and

collaboration regarding the problems related to livestock production in the

Mediterranean, bringing together researchers, rural developers and economic operators

and to include partners from the North, the South and the East of the Mediterranean.

The Seminar counted on the participation of more than 130 scientists and professionals

of the sector from 11 different countries, and was structured around three working

sessions: (i) Sustainability of the livestock production systems and adaptation strategies

to the socio-economic environment; (ii) Characterization of Mediterranean products of

animal origin and social demands; and (iii) Changes and new trends in the distribution

and consumption of products of animal origin in Mediterranean countries.

The large participation and diversity of the contributions presented, as reflected in this

publication (which contains 62 articles), show that this Seminar has contributed to the

exchanges between researchers, technicians, and other professionals of the sector

regarding the problems of livestock production systems in the Mediterranean basin and

has also meant great progress towards consolidating the Mediterranean Livestock

Network.