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France Loosens Rules for Iconic Cheeses
Newser • • world
Key Points:
- French cheesemakers of protected-origin cheeses like Comté, Beaufort, and Abondance are temporarily allowed to feed cows more imported fodder and grain due to severe drought conditions affecting pastures.
- The National Institute of Origin and Quality may extend similar allowances to other cheeses such as Reblochon, Cantal, and Roquefort amid a historic drought impacting 95% of mainland France's grasslands.
- The drought has caused a 33% reduction in permanent grassland growth compared to the 30-year average, leading to sharply lower milk yields and halted production for some farmers.
- The agricultural crisis is also affecting other crops like potatoes, apples, and wine grapes, with emergency government measures expected following upcoming talks.
