Photo credit: Matt Lewis / CC BY 2.0
Italy’s relentless summer heat is beginning to take a toll on one of the country’s most famous food exports, as soaring temperatures reduce milk production in the heartland of Parmigiano Reggiano, the protected cheese known worldwide as Parmesan.
Dairy farmers across the northern Emilia-Romagna region, where Parmigiano Reggiano is produced under strict Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) rules, say prolonged temperatures above 40°C (104°F) are placing cattle under severe heat stress. As cows eat less during extreme heat, they produce less milk—the essential ingredient behind Italy’s iconic cheese.
According to representatives of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, who spoke to Reuters, milk yields have fallen by as much as ten percent on some farms during the current heatwave, forcing producers to take additional measures to protect livestock while absorbing higher operating costs.
Heat stress affecting dairy cows—and Parmesan supply chain
To help cows cope with the intense temperatures, many farms have installed continuous ventilation systems, water sprinklers, and cooling equipment inside barns. Those measures help reduce heat stress but also increase electricity and water consumption at a time when producers are already facing higher production expenses.
Industry officials say the immediate priority is safeguarding animal welfare while maintaining the quality standards required for Parmigiano Reggiano, one of Europe’s most valuable agricultural products.
Unlike many cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano can only be produced in designated areas of northern Italy using locally sourced milk and traditional production methods that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Any sustained decline in milk production therefore directly affects the cheese’s supply chain.
Beyond Parmesan: Climate change poses growing challenges
The latest heatwave is part of a broader pattern of increasingly frequent and intense summer temperatures affecting southern Europe. Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the likelihood of prolonged heatwaves, resulting in mounting challenges for agriculture and livestock production across the Mediterranean.
For Italy’s dairy sector, extreme heat not only reduces milk output but also raises production costs through increased cooling, water use, and energy consumption.
While there is no indication of an immediate shortage of Parmigiano Reggiano, producers warn that recurring periods of extreme heat could place growing pressure on one of Italy’s most recognizable food products if such conditions become more frequent.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
