The town of Casabermeja has been the setting for the XVII Fiesta de la Cabra Malagueña, where the Government Delegate of the Junta de Andalucía in Málaga, Patricia Navarro, highlighted the importance of this native breed. At the event, organised by the municipality's Town Hall and the Spanish Association of Breeders of the Malagueña Goat, Navarro emphasised the significant role that the goat sector plays in the economy and society of Málaga.
Importance of the Goat Sector in Málaga
Navarro described the goat sector as one of the economic, social, and environmental pillars of rural life in the province. During her speech, she recalled that Málaga is home to 1,102 goat farms, and that the province is considered one of the main goat hubs in Spain with a population of 171,000 heads of livestock.
Milk production in Málaga accounts for approximately 25% of goat milk in Andalucía and 12% at the national level. This production is destined for the manufacture of raw milk, cheeses, and other high-value dairy products. Additionally, the meat from the Malagueño kid is highlighted as a benchmark in the country, contributing 42% of goat meat in Spain.
Support Measures and Challenges for the Sector
In addition to its economic contribution, Navarro stressed the strategic role of livestock farms in population retention, fire prevention, and landscape conservation. In this regard, extraordinary aid and funds have been mobilised to support the recovery of livestock potential affected by the climatic adversities of recent months. A total of 1,101 Málaga farmers have benefited from this aid, amounting to 5.35 million euros.
The delegate also referred to the issue of agricultural diesel, whose price increase could affect the viability of farms. In September, the price of diesel reached 1.649 euros per litre, representing a 48% increase compared to the previous year. Navarro has joined the request for an extension of the diesel subsidies, which expire on September 30, to ensure the sustainability of the sector.
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