The Cres sheep

There are many who make sure that the tradition of sheep farming in Cres does not disappear, including the LAG – Kvarnerski Otoci  (Local Action Group of the Kvarner Islands), a partnership established between entities from the public, economic and civil society sectors of the islands of Krk, Cres, and Mali Lošinj. It was created to promote rural development through local initiatives and partnerships, improve living and working conditions, diversify economic activities, ensure the flow of information and the transfer of knowledge, and develop synergies and networks between all those who have an interest in contributing to the development of rural areas. LAG’s activities include the launch of tenders to support initiatives in the sheep farming sector. For example, on October 13, 2022, 14 projects obtained funds from the Rural Development Programme of the Republic of Croatia 2014-2020 supported by the EU cohesion policy. Farmer Dubravko Devčić, for example, purchased 20 sheep, poles and barbed wire for the fence, solar energy electrical system to electrify the fence, and various equipment for cleaning the land. Support for sheep farming is expressly cited as very important in the “National Island Development Programme of the Republic of Croatia” 2021-2027, drawn up within the scope of EU cohesion policies. “On the islands, sheep farming stands out as it is more developed on the islands of Pag, Cres, and Brač. It must be supported because it has a positive impact on the island’s economy, reduces the emigration of the population from the islands, participates in the biological balance, but also reduces the risk of fires".