The national workshop in Slovenia was held at the headquarters of the Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia (CAFS) in Ljubljana, in a hybrid format (in-person and online). The workshop was attended by 18 stakeholders, including farmers (cattle, sheep and goat producers), agricultural advisors, and representatives of other land-use stakeholders (Agricultural Community). The discussions focused on three thematic areas:
- Improving farm management of extensive livestock systems and practices,
- Facilitating the land use of grazing areas and land sharing among different users in rangelands (agricultural and non-agricultural users),
- Developing and promoting quality products and services provided by ruminant livestock farms in rangelands.
For each theme, participants identified the main challenges faced by different stakeholders and their corresponding needs.
Improving farm management of extensive livestock systems and practices
Participants highlighted several pressing issues. A major challenge is predation by large carnivores (wolf, bear, jackal). They emphasized the need for effective prevention tools to reduce attacks on livestock. Another important issue is the ageing farming population, as younger generations often do not perceive agriculture as an attractive or viable profession. Stakeholders agreed that financial incentives would be necessary to improve long-term sustainability.
Climate change also poses increasing difficulties, particularly due to droughts and extreme rainfall events, making it necessary to modernize existing management practices (e.g., ensuring reliable access to drinking water for livestock). Because of the short grazing season, farms must secure sufficient forage for non-grazing periods; however, limited land availability makes this difficult. Extensive grazing areas are often located on challenging terrain, where access is restricted, increasing labour and management demands.
Facilitating the land use of grazing areas and land sharing among different users in rangelands
The discussion revealed significant challenges related to unresolved land-ownership structures, creating a strong need for legislative improvements at the national level. Farmers frequently encounter restrictions on grazing in forested areas, highlighting the importance of improved cooperation among various institutions.
Participants pointed out that decision-making currently follows the order:
policy → institutions → farmer,
while they would prefer the sequence:
farmer → institutions → policy,
ensuring that the needs of livestock keepers are prioritised in regulatory processes.
They also stressed the importance of greater public recognition of the value of farmers’ work and its contribution to society as a whole.
Developing and promoting quality products and services of ruminant livestock farms in rangelands
This section examined opportunities for strengthening cooperation between different sectors, particularly agriculture and tourism, with the aim of ensuring that farmers also benefit from multifunctional land use. Stakeholders discussed how to encourage farmers to form partnerships and market their products under a common brand, including through digital marketplaces and community-based associations.
Barriers to adopting digital technologies and innovations
In the final part of the workshop, participants analysed common obstacles to the implementation of digital technologies and innovations (DTI). Key barriers include:
- insufficient signal coverage,
- high cost of digital technologies,
- large distances between farms and grazing areas (especially in mountainous regions),
- lack of knowledge about modern technologies,
- age structure of farmers.
Participants also identified specific difficulties related to the use of drones, such as high purchase and maintenance costs, limited signal coverage, long distances between farm buildings and pastures, and weather conditions (fog, wind), which restrict their usability. Additionally, drone operators are required to be properly trained and certified, and flights are subject to limitations related to proximity to buildings, airports, power lines, and other sensitive areas.
Regarding GPS collars, stakeholders reported issues such as breaking of housings (lower-cost models often made of less durable materials) and poorly secured weights, which can cause sensors to malfunction and fail to detect the animal.
The workshop demonstrated that extensive livestock farming in Slovenia operates within a complex framework of environmental, economic, social and regulatory challenges. Nevertheless, stakeholders expressed strong motivation to improve the management of grazing areas, strengthen cooperation and develop innovative solutions that enhance the long-term sustainability of farms.
Participants agreed that progress will depend on several key factors:
- establishing more effective dialogue among farmers, institutions and policymakers,
- modernising legislation and resolving land-ownership issues,
- encouraging cross-sector cooperation (agriculture, tourism, local communities),
- increasing support for the adoption of digital technologies,
- enhancing public recognition of the importance of extensive livestock farming for landscape conservation, biodiversity and the vitality of rural communities.
The workshop also confirmed the need for continued professional exchanges, pilot projects and the sharing of best practices, as only coordinated action among stakeholders can lead to sustainable management of rangelands and a more competitive, resilient extensive livestock sector.
