France bends protected-origin cheese rules after "historic" drought scorches grazing pastures

France's INAO granted temporary derogations to AOP grazing rules for at least seven raw-milk mountain cheeses — including Comté, Beaufort, and Abondance — after a July 2026 drought affecting 95% of mainland France dried out pastures that define their terroir. Producers may now supplement with outside fodder and grain. INAO described the drought as "historic."