The “SHEPHERD’S SCHOOL” started its activity on the 23rd of September and its objective is the training, requalification and rejuvenation of shepherds in order to value this profession.

The project is in the pilot phase and currently has two groups. One with 19 students at Escola Agrária de Viseu and another with 16 students at Escola Agrária de Castelo Branco. The training includes a training program for current and new entrepreneurs who intend to dedicate themselves to the activity of producing milk for PDO Cheeses in the Central Region.

The general objective of the creation of the “Shepherd’s School” is related to the development of a training program that allows, not only the reinforcement of this profession, but also the promotion of innovation and know-how within the range of PDO Cheeses in the Central Region, and the valorization and increase of competitiveness within it, as it is one of the main endogenous products of the territory and with great growth potential.

PDO Cheeses of the Central Region are Rabaçal PDO Cheese, Baira Baixa Yellow PDO Cheese, Castelo Branco PDO Cheese and  Serra da Estrela PDO Cheese.

The “Shepherd’s School” is an initiative of the “Program for the Valorization of PDO Cheese in the Central Region”, co-financed by CENTRO2020, along with 13 entities, which aim to train, requalify and rejuvenate the production line of sheep and goat milk.