A study on the sustainability of the Maroilles PDO sector

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A sustainability diagnosis to define a strategy

In order to stand out from other productions and meet changing societal expectations (more quality, transparency and authenticity), it is important for sectors under official quality signs to measure their actions linked to sustainable development and thus reaffirm their added values.

For the Maroilles PDO sector, the challenge of the sustainability diagnosis was also to fit in with the commitments proposed by the CNAOL. In fact, during 2020, this interprofessional body for dairy appellations mobilized all French dairy PDOs to bring clarity to their sustainability approaches by defining a common commitment framework. The work carried out as part of the study represents the first step towards formulating a concrete strategy for the sector.

The methodology developed could be adapted for application to other sectors under SIQO, and will also make it possible to track changes over time in the sustainability of the sectors already studied.

Maroilles PDO in figures 2021

112

producteurs de lait

6

producteurs fermiers (transformation à la ferme)

4

coopératives laitières (collecte du lait)

5

transformateurs (manufacturiers)

2

affineurs

4 286

tonnes produites en 2020

Maroilles in detail

Created in the 10th century by a monk from Maroilles Abbey, this cheese is made in Thiérache, an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée zone since 1976, located on part of the Nord and Aisne departments. Cows graze in the unique bocage landscape. The quality of the milk from this terroir contributes greatly to the quality of the cheese.

After production, Maroilles is matured in a humid cellar for 3 to 5 weeks, depending on the size, during which time it is brushed and washed with salt water. This is an important operation that will condition its quality and give it its natural orange color, original flavor and specific aromas.

Maroilles is a soft cow's milk cheese with a washed rind, with a square shape 13 cm square and 6 cm thick. Maroilles has benefited from the Appellation d'Origine Protégée since 1996, which guarantees scrupulous respect for traditional manufacturing methods.