Comté sector specifications: preserving the identity of the region for sustainability[Le cahier des charges de la filière Comté : préservation de l’identité au service de la durabilité]

The Comté sector, France's leading PDO cheese with an annual production of almost 70,000 tonnes, is based on strict specifications. This regulatory framework provides a framework for agricultural and artisanal practices to preserve the identity of the product while promoting its sustainability. By incorporating measures such as limiting the size of farms, regulating workshops and conserving permanent meadows, the industry is working to achieve a balance between economic, social and environmental dimensions. This paper explores three key aspects: 1) the way in which the specifications protect the identity of the product; 2) their direct and indirect impact on sustainability, particularly through the promotion of the terroir; 3) their role in strengthening the collective ethic and the interdependence of the players. Ultimately, these measures contribute to greater resilience in the face of contemporary challenges such as climate change and growing societal expectations. In this way, the Comté sector illustrates the ability of PDO systems to reconcile tradition, innovation and sustainability.