EXTREMADURA
The Largest Dehesa in the World
Extremadura boasts nearly 1 million hectares of oak pasture, where each Iberian pig is raised and fed freely, resulting in a product unique worldwide.
One Million Hectares of Oak Pasture
The production and fattening area for the 100% Iberian pigs protected by the Dehesa de Extremadura Protected Designation of Origin is defined by the oak, cork oak, and gall oak pastures in the provinces of Badajoz and Cáceres, within the autonomous community of Extremadura.
The largest oak pasture in the world, cradle of the Iberian pig
Today, talking about free-range pig farming almost always means referring to the Iberian pig, the montanera season, and the wooded oak pastures of holm oak, cork oak, or gall oak.
A Sustainable System
The dehesa (a term derived from the Latin defesa, meaning defence or protected land) is a unique agroforestry system that enables a balanced, non-exploitative use of natural resources. It combines extensive pastureland for livestock grazing with a scattered canopy of trees—mainly oak species from the Quercus genus—integrating agriculture and forestry in harmony.
A Haven of Biodiversity
The dehesa is a true ecological paradise, where livestock species such as the Iberian pig, Merino sheep and Retinta cattle coexist with a wide variety of wildlife that finds a natural refuge here. This coexistence fosters a sustainable cycle that not only safeguards biodiversity but also enhances the region’s agricultural and livestock productivity.
The Iberian Pig
El cerdo es un animal monogástrico con alto rendimiento en el proceso de transformación delfruto de las cupulíferas (así como bulbos y tubérculos larvas de insectos). Es la especie quemejor aprovecha los recursos que le proporciona el ecosistema de la dehesa.
CERTIFIED QUALITY
Iberian Excellence
Dehesa de Extremadura hams and shoulders are Dehesa de Extremadura Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) allowing them to reach the perfect stage of maturation—endowing them with their unmistakable aroma and flavour.
CRDOP DEHESA DE EXTREMADURA
C / Cánovas del Castillo s/n 2ªplanta
Mérida (06800), Badajoz, España
El Consejo Regulador de la D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura ha sido beneficiario de una subvención de 129.959 €, cofinanciado por la Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Sustainable Development, para el apoyo a actividades de información y promoción en el mercado interior, en la convocatoria de ayuda a los regímenes de calidad de los productos agrícolas y alimentarios en el marco del PROYECTO DEHESA-IBORES CON CALIDAD DIFERENCIADA 2024-2025 en la Comunidad Autónoma de Extremadura. El objetivo es fomentar la producción y comercialización de productos agroalimentarios de calidad diferenciada (Decreto 79/2023 de 26 de julio, DOE nº 168 de 31/08/2023).
CO-FUNDED BY THE HONORABLE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BADAJOZ
Years co-funded: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
CO-FUNDED BY THE HONORABLE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF CÁCERES
Years co-funded: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Copyright © 2025 CRDOP DEHESA DE EXTREMADURA
