Climate Change Threatens Italian Parmesan Cheese: Production Drop and Price Surge Expected

Extreme temperatures, exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, are threatening one of the most significant pillars of Italian agriculture – authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Prolonged heatwaves are not only threatening production volumes but also making the economic landscape in the sector more uncertain.

The main problem is the direct impact of the heat on raw material yields. Much like humans, cows become less productive at high temperatures – they consume less food, which leads to a significant reduction in the amount of milk produced. Although the lack of pastures and rainfall may temporarily reduce feeding costs, the negative effect on the raw material is critical for the industry.

To protect their yields, farmers are forced to invest in expensive cooling systems, fans, and water misting in the barns, leading to a sharp spike in electricity costs. The problem is also intensifying in the storage of the finished product.

"During the peak heatwaves this year, our daily energy consumption increased by about 30%," shared Giancarlo Ravanneti, director of the company MGT, which manages warehouses valued at over 300 million euros, containing around 500 thousand wheels of cheese.

The Parmesan industry is a powerful economic force, generating approximately €4.5 billion in revenue last year. Experts warn that ongoing climate anomalies will lead to a double crisis: lower quality and quantity of the product, combined with higher production costs, which will inevitably be passed on to the end consumer.