The European Union has seen a six percent decrease in sheep meat production over the past year, falling to 398 thousand tons. This decline, largely seen in Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and other countries, is attributed to drought conditions affecting the availability of natural grass feed and an increase in disease outbreaks. Despite a reduction in supply leading to higher prices, demand for sheep meat has risen due to religious holidays. The European Commission anticipates a further one percent decrease in production this year.