As of 2010, Uruguay will expand its compulsory bovine traceability system to sheep.

"This measure will help us penetrate higher value markets such as Korea, Japan and the European Union," said Enrique Fernández, director of La Estanzuela, one of the stations belonging to the National Institute for Husbandry Research on hearing the news. Until now, Uruguayan producers have only been able to export their lamb to Russia and the US.

Mr Fernández pointed out that traceability would stimulate the sector which has seen its flock reduced from 22 million head to just 10 million since 1999. "Up till now, the focus has been just on the meat. We are now seeking new cross-breeds that improve the quality of both the meat and the wool", he added.

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