This handbook is part of a series of agribusiness manuals prepared by FAO's Investment Centre Division, in collaboration with FAO's Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division. It was prepared for EBRD's agribusiness team, under the FAO/EBRD cooperation. The production of the manuals was financed by FAO and by the EBRD multidonor Early Transition Countries Fund and Western Balkans Fund. The purpose of this handbook is to help agribusiness bankers and potential local investors acquire basic knowledge on the red meat sector, worldwide and with a special focus on Early Transition Countries and Western Balkan Countries.