Financing of sheep farms for agricultural sustainable development: The case of greece

Sheep farming is considered to be one of the most dynamic sectors of the rural economy in Greece, employing a considerable workforce, providing high added value products, while also making use of mountainous and disadvantaged lands. In recent years, an increase has been observed in the number of large, organised farms characterised by high levels of invested capital and a clear business orientation. This paper aimed at studying the domestic sheep farm sector and developing a typology of Greek sheep farms based on sampled quantitative financial data in order to allow for the generation of applicable proposals and suggestions related to the agricultural policy. The application of the hierarchical cluster analysis revealed distinct clusters of sheep farms showing distinct financial functions and behaviour. The clusters profile was enriched through the implementation of the correspondence analysis method by taking into account order qualitative financial and developmental parameters of the sheep farms and certain socio-demographic traits of the beneficiaries. Based on the final profile of the sheep farm clusters are proposed specific agricultural policy measures, aiding to the improvement of the sheep farms competitiveness and sustainable development.