Controversy erupted over Comté cheese after environmentalist Pierre Rigaux criticized it for being ecologically harmful. He blamed intensive dairy farming in the Jura region, which reportedly leads to river pollution, urging consumers to avoid the cheese. This sparked backlash from local farmers and politicians who defended Comté's cultural value. Leaders, including the local préfet and national figures, argued against banning the cheese, while the Green party clarified it had never proposed such a ban. They acknowledged environmental issues in dairy farming but also highlighted the region's cooperative approach in the dairy sector.
The attempts to limit Comté consumption was "the project of a France without identity or flavour," said right-winger Laurent Wauquiez, emphasizing the cultural importance of the cheese.
"Ban it? You might as well ban sunsets over the Jura! Let's be serious," tweeted the local préfet, humorously defending Comté amidst the controversy.
Green party leader Marine Tondelier clarified that the Ecologistes party has never called for a ban on Comté, indicating the need for balanced conservation efforts.
While acknowledging the environmental impact of cattle breeding, the local Ecologistes stressed the importance of cooperative values in the region's dairy industry.
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