Drought: Specifications for PDO cheeses relaxed

The Ministry of Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Sovereignty has published in the Official Journal of the French Republic (JORF No. 0203 of September 1, 2026) three decrees dated August 26, 2026, which temporarily relax the specifications of three protected designations of origin (PDO) for cheeses. In response to the 2026 drought, producers of Reblochon, Cantal, and Fourme d’Ambert will see their grazing obligations and requirements for the use of local fodder eased. The texts are signed by the ministry and enter into force upon publication.

Targeted exemptions for herd feed

The three decrees modify the chapters dedicated to the method of obtaining the cheeses by relaxing the rules relating to the basic ration of dairy cows. As the drought has reduced the availability of fodder within the designation areas, producers are authorized to rely more heavily on external fodder, within precisely defined proportions and durations.

For Reblochon (decree AGRT2622612A), the minimum duration of summer grazing is reduced from 150 to 120 days for the year 2026. Fodder from the area must cover 75% of the basic ration (instead of 100%), and 55% for farms located above 600 meters in altitude, from August 1, 2026, until the 2027 turnout (no later than May 31, 2027).

For Cantal (decree AGRT2622616A), the basic ration of the dairy herd must consist of at least 50% roughage from the geographical area, from August 1, 2026, to May 15, 2027. Only hay, alfalfa hay, dehydrated alfalfa, wrapped grass, and straw may originate from outside the area.

For Fourme d’Ambert (decree AGRT2622617A), the basic ration for dairy cows and the fodder distributed to heifers must originate from the geographical area for at least 80% of the dry matter, from August 1, 2026, to May 15, 2027.

Additional adjustments for Reblochon

The decree relating to Reblochon also includes two specific provisions:

• the total quantity of supplementary feed distributed is increased to 2,000 kilograms per year per dairy cow (combined concentrated feed and bulk feed), compared to 1,800 kilograms previously;
• farmhouse cheeses must remain on the farm until at least the 5th day following renneting, instead of the 6th day, from July 1 to September 30, 2026.

A temporary and regulated measure

These exemptions are strictly limited in time and do not permanently challenge the specifications. They aim to allow dairy producers in Savoie, Cantal, and Auvergne to maintain their activity despite the shortage of local forage caused by the drought, while preserving the quality requirements associated with the appellations.

The decrees, signed on August 26, 2026, are published in the JORF No. 0203 of September 1, 2026, under references AGRT2622612A (Reblochon), AGRT2622616A (Cantal), and AGRT2622617A (Fourme d’Ambert). They apply immediately to the producers concerned, who must nevertheless continue to comply with the other requirements of their specifications.

A direct impact on the cheese sectors

For dairy producers in the appellation zones, these relaxations constitute an indispensable safety net in drought years, allowing them to secure the feed for their herds without losing the benefit of the appellation. For consumers, they guarantee the continuity of the supply of quality-label cheeses, while maintaining the fundamentals of these productions emblematic of the French massifs.

Official source: Official Journal of the French Republic, No. 0203 of September 1, 2026 — Decrees of August 26, 2026 (NOR AGRT2622612A, AGRT2622616A, AGRT2622617A), Ministry of Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Sovereignty.