La pâture, un argument pour la valorisation des produits de montagne sur les marchés de consommation

Grazing : an argument for the promotion of upland products on the consumers' markets

The grazing of the upland pastures is crucial for the maintenance of open spaces, the preservation of the bio-diversity and the prevention of natural catastrophes. The promotion of high-quality products secures the viability of upland farms and stimulates the regional economy. Herd management systems based on grazing are more and more frequently used as commercial arguments to incite consumers to choose local produce and pay accordingly. The link between the characteristics of the forage and the quality of the produce is now known more accurately, thanks to various research works on chemical tracers, so that the differentiating elements of upland products can be checked with greater objectivity. The present paper brings to the fore the fact that the feeding of upland livestock does essentially rest on grazing. Most specifications of 'AOC' products (i.e. products with a certified label of origin) tolerate however some supplementation for high - yielding cows, albeit under certain conditions and in a strictly limited way.