The study has been elaborated between November 1999 and September 2000 and was co-ordinated by SAC (Scottish Agricultural College). The main objective of the study was to examine the most important instrument of this CMO, namely the system of direct payments to sheep and goat meat producers including its method of calculation (deficiency payment) and the limitations to individual payments to producers (the so-called "quota") under the following aspects:

• impact on producers' income
• impact on production of sheep and goat meat
• impact on rural areas and the environment

The report is done in English; there are no other language versions available at the Commission Services.
This study has been financed by the European Commission. The conclusions, recommendations and opinions in this report reflect the opinion of the consultants and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Commission.