France to relax cheese production rules after drought takes toll on grazing land
Summary
France will relax strict rules on cheese production for several traditional cheeses because drought and heatwaves have damaged grazing lands. This change allows farmers to feed their cows and sheep with more imported feed to keep producing cheese during the tough weather.Key Facts
- France’s government will temporarily ease grazing rules for cheeses like comté, beaufort, and abondance due to drought damage.
- These cheeses carry the AOP label, which normally requires strict rules on where animals graze and what they eat.
- The drought affected 95% of mainland France in July, drying out pastures and reducing grass growth by about two-thirds compared to usual averages.
- Other cheese producers, including those of reblochon, cantal, bleu d’Auvergne, and fourme d’Ambert, may also get temporary relief on production rules.
- About 70% of salers cheese producers had to stop production over summer because of the drought.
- Roquefort cheese makers have requested eased rules for grazing sheep after pastures were scorched.
- The agriculture ministry reported a severely worsened feed situation almost everywhere in France.
- The agriculture minister plans crisis talks and emergency help for farmers affected by the drought.
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