The paper discusses the importance of sheep farming in low-density Mediterranean rural areas, specifically in the northeast of Portugal, where the traditional extensive sheep production system is prevalent. The authors provide examples of valorisation strategies around sheep pyric herbivory practice, which may increase the benefits of sheep farming systems in Portugal. The study employed qualitative research methodology, mainly based on interviews and focus groups involving stakeholders in the sector. The findings target the commercial viability of local breeds' products by creating new food/wool products and developing tourism around the autochthonous breeds and their use, which may promote natural and cultural heritage, foster entrepreneurship and job creation, and reduce the risk of depopulation. The economic feasibility analysis shows that all the strategies under study are economically viable.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
