Dairy farming is a crucial player in rural areas, contributing to employment and to rural cultural life, to the maintenance of local heritage, to the upkeep of landscapes and the conservation of biodiversity.
10
A dairy farm employs 10 people on average, directly or indirectly.
1500
French dairy farms produce 1,500 different dairy products.
45
45 PDOs (Protected Designation of Origin).
Farming provides many different services to its local region.
A factor in rural life.
Dairy farmers invest in local life: they are members of local organisations, they serve as local politicians… Through their presence in rural areas and their civic activity, they also contribute to the maintenance of schools and local businesses. They participate in the development of their region by welcoming in tourists and students. They clear snow from the roads in winter and their cows contribute to the maintenance of ski slopes in the summer!
The diversity of the French culinary tradition of cheeses is spread via tourist routes, such as the Auvergne PDO Cheese route — which have significant economic benefits for the region.
An engine of the French economy.
The French dairy industry is one of the spearheads of our economy. 5 French dairy groups feature on the list of the top 25 worldwide, with strong brands which stand out thanks to the quality of their products.
Dairy products: part of the French cultural identity.
Produced in France for thousands of years, dairy products are inscribed into our history, our regions and our culture. There are more than 1,500 different dairy products in France. Soft cheeses, cooked cheeses, pressed cheeses, salted butter, creams…
This great diversity of dairy products arises from distinctive regional culture, through which humans have been able to harness the potential of their surroundings, all while adapting themselves to their environment.