SEND A MESSAGE TO THE PARMESAN CONSORTIUM

Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan, is one of the world’s most famous cheeses. It is marketed as “premium,” “traditional,” and an example of Italian “excellence.”

Yet, the vast majority of cows farmed to produce this renowned cheese are still being prevented from expressing some of their most basic, natural behaviors. Most never set foot on grass. Some may even spend their lives tied to a post inside their shed.

Please send the message below to the President of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium. Call on the Consortium to do more to protect the welfare of every Parmesan cow.

In 2017, Compassion in World Farming Italia undertook an investigation into the welfare conditions for cows supplying milk for Parmesan cheese.

The majority of farms supplying milk to Parmigiano Reggiano are “zero pasture,” and our investigators found animals confined, thin, in some cases lame, being kept in squalid conditions.

Compassion’s investigation caused a public outcry, and the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium have subsequently taken some steps to improve animal welfare in their supply chain. In particular, they have committed €10 million ($11.8 million) to a 3-year voluntary animal welfare program.

But, while this is a good first step, it is not enough. A voluntary scheme cannot ensure protection for all Parmesan cows. And the Consortium have not yet formally committed to eliminating tethering or to giving all animals access to pasture.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Take action for Parmesan cows (ciwf.com)

Regards Mark