project team

AACM-Asociación Argentina Criadores de Merino
Aims and activities of the organisation

The AACM-Argentinian association of Merino sheep breeders is a non-profit private institution, gathering Merino sheep breeders. The AACM promotes sheep production in Argentina in general and the Merino and Dohne Merino breeds in particular. Established in 1948, it developed into the main sheep union of the country, being a member of the World Federation of Merino Breeders. A central activity of the AACM is the capacity building of farmers, classers and other sheep professionals to obtain sheep production skills. This is achieved through regular courses, publications and conferences by its key members. The Merino breed in Argentina has a population of about 6 million head owned by some 10 thousand farmers. Most farmers are commercial farmers and not breeders, but the genetic quality of their stock depend on the breeders, which provide the breeding animals. These are produced in about 200 – usually large – farming companies, which are full members of the AACM and directly related to the Argentinian Performance recording and genetic evaluation service for sheep “Provino”, managed by INTA. Thus, AACM and INTA have an agreement – signed in 1991 – to work together for the genetic improvement of Merino sheep.

The role of the organisation in the project

AACM is a full partner of the EDULIVE project. It contributes experience on collaboration of famers and processers of sheep wool and is linked to EU and international markets. AACM is the entry point for the EDULIVE project’s direct involvement with sheep wool producers, processors and exporters in Argentina. AACM is not leading a WP, but is involved in many work packages. In WP1, AACM represents the needs and demands of farmers, processors and exporters to international markets. It supports the consultation process and links the consortium to sector stakeholders in order to integrate their opinions on the needs for university curricula in Animal Sciences. In WP2, AACM supports the establishment of cooperation mechanisms. In WP5 and WP7, AACM collaborates with Argentinian universities in higher education as internship hosts, expert lecturers and by offering field visit opportunities. In WP6 and WP8, AACM is part of the evaluation of new mechanisms and activities implemented by the EDULIVE project.

CONTACT

Asociación Argentina Criadores de Merino | Viamonte 332 5º piso | 1053 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires | Argentina |
info[at]merino.org.ar | merino.org.ar
Carlos Mottino

President
AACM

Sheep farmer

Ing. ProdAgr. Carlos Epper

Secretary
AACM

Trainer, Technical Publications Editor

secretario[at]merino.org.ar

Pablo Serres

Director
AACM

former President
Patagonian Rural Society

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