Saint-Nectaire is a cherished part of Auvergne’s culinary culture, a must-try at the end of any meal. With over 8,000 tonnes sold annually, it supports 210 farms in Puy-de-Dôme and Cantal. However, in recent weeks, the future of this beloved cheese has taken a turn for the worse.
This issue stems from a draft decree notified by France to the European Commission last December, proposing new labeling requirements for AOP farm cheeses. The proposed law aims to improve traceability by requiring French producers to include the place of maturation next to the AOP logo on each label. Historically, 80% of Saint-Nectaire farmhouses have been refined outside the farm by specialized refiners authorized under the AOP label. These refiners play a crucial role in marketing and promoting the appellation at a national level.
The potential change in labeling requirements has raised concerns among producers and supporters of Saint-Nectaire cheese. If these regulations are implemented, it could have significant implications for the future of this iconic cheese. It remains uncertain how this issue will be resolved and what impact it will have on the production and distribution of Saint-Nectaire cheese.
