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Mountain Partnership

Mountain products – improving livelihoods at high altitudes

Europe Case Study

Abstract

The ‘Tome des Bauges’ cheese, produced in the Bauges region in the northern French Alps has successfully managed, over the last decade or so, to become a recognized quality mountain cheese, manufactured according to ancient artisanal methods. But this was not always the case. In the 1980s the brand struggled to establish a name for itself – in fact it barely existed as a recognized and distinct cheese brand, and farmers and processors struggled to turn it into a viable product.

The history of Tome des Bauges’ emergence as a viable product is long and contorted. One of the key factors in its success is the fact that farmers and producers organized themselves together into a union. It is clear that uniting in this way helped them overcome obstacles that would have been impossible had they acted as individuals. The farmer’s union sought registration of the product name, funding and appointed a coordinator who would also take charge of marketing and advertising aspects.

Progress was stimulated by the creation of the Regional Nature Park, as well as considerable financial assistance from the European Community who recognizes the Bauges area as a fragile ecological zone.

The Appellation Controle has also been key. This labelling means that the cheese has recognized characteristics and can only be made by approved producers, farmers and dairies within a clearly delimited area. It has also has meant that the cheese can now survive as a quality product. The successful promotion of this product has also had an impact on the protection of the local environment and its ecosystems: farmers can keep using the local breeds of cattle instead of being forced to opt for intensive breeding systems.

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