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Raw-milk cheeses: Industry groups commend the Agriculture Minister for listening to their concerns and call for the development of a national preservation plan
Following the alert letter sent to government officials last September, representatives of the raw-milk cheese industry met on Monday, January 12, 2026, with Annie Genevard, Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, accompanied by her deputy chief of staff and representatives from government agencies (DGAL, DGPE).
This meeting brought together the five organizations that signed the alert letter: INAO, CNAOL, and the three dairy industry associations: CNIEL, ANICAP and France Brebis Laitière. The organizations are pleased to have been received, listened to, and heard, and commend the quality of the discussions, which were marked by a shared commitment to working collectively to ensure the long-term future of raw-milk cheeses.
Raw milk: a fragile pillar of the French cheese-making industry
Raw milk forms the historical, cultural, and economic foundation of many French cheeses, particularly those bearing official quality and origin labels (SIQO). It is at the heart of recognized expertise, a diversity of flavors, and significant regional added value. Thousands of dairy farmers, artisanal cheese producers, processing workshops, and businesses depend on it for their livelihoods, often in rural and mountainous areas where economic alternatives are limited.
However, this sector is currently under strain due to a series of health crises, which calls for the harmonization and alignment of risk management measures among economic stakeholders and government agencies, and which sometimes results in severe economic consequences for producers and processors. Despite the stakeholders’ ongoing commitment and collective efforts to uphold high standards of quality and food safety, certain situations can jeopardize the very continuation of raw milk production. In most cases, moving away from raw milk is a choice that results in a loss of value, distinctive character, and connection to the local region.
Toward a Plan to Safeguard Raw Milk
At the heart of discussions with the minister, the organizations reaffirmed the need for a plan to safeguard raw milk, based on a balanced approach that ensures the economic viability of the sectors and the preservation of traditional know-how while guaranteeing food safety and public health. This meeting marks an important first step toward establishing an ambitious roadmap. It allowed for agreement on shared observations and priorities. Furthermore, the sector welcomes high-level political recognition of the specific challenges facing the raw milk sector and is pleased to see that the minister, her staff, and the sector are united by a shared commitment to working closely together in the coming months. Discussions will continue to explore concrete measures, particularly in the areas of research, technical and economic support, preparedness for health crises, regulatory consistency, and communication regarding public health recommendations.
A collective effort set to continue
The signatory organizations will remain fully committed and hope to sustain this momentum over the long term. The upcoming International Agricultural Show will be a key opportunity to deepen discussions and take stock of progress with all stakeholders involved in developing shared solutions. Preserving raw-milk cheeses means defending a demanding agricultural model, a unique cultural heritage, and the future of entire regions. The industry sectors call for transforming this shared commitment into concrete actions.