Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Goats' Grazing Helps Catalonia Fight Wildfires
In Catalonia, Spain, goats are helping to prevent wildfires.
These goats eat dry plants that could catch fire, acting like natural firebreaks.
Two former professionals are now goat herders, paid by local governments and cheesemakers.
The goats' milk is high quality.
It is a sustainable method to manage land and prevent wildfires.
Goats are used in Catalonia, Spain, as a fire prevention method by clearing dry brush.
This is part of an EU-funded project, with the local councillor in Mataro calling it a success.
Two business partners combined flocks to embrace nomadic goatherding and wildfire prevention.
The goatherds are paid by municipalities and cheesemakers for milk with unique qualities.
Goats' grazing habits and lack of need for supplemental feed result in better curd.
- Who
- Goat herders Francesc Teixido and Pedro Alba are utilizing this fire prevention method.
- What
- Goats are used to prevent wildfires by clearing brush in Catalonia, Spain.
- When
- The project has been ongoing, with the most recent efforts taking place during summer.
- Where
- Catalonia, Spain
- Why
- To mitigate the risk of wildfires and create a more sustainable farming practice.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Fire Prevention
Advantages
Goats create natural firebreaks, reducing wildfire risk.
Disadvantages
Fire prevention is the primary benefit, offering an alternative to traditional methods.
Milk Quality
Advantages
Milk produced by goats is of high quality, benefiting cheesemakers.
Disadvantages
Milk production quality impacts curd and changes with the seasons.
- Location
- Catalonia, Spain
- Method
- Using goats to clear brush
- Funding
- European Union
- Goat Herders
- Francesc Teixido and Pedro Alba
- Income Source
- Municipalities and Cheesemakers
- Benefits
- Fire prevention, sustainable farming, high-quality milk