Summary：**Extreme Heat Threatens Italy’s Parmesan Heartland, Farmers Warn of Crisis***Introduction* A relen

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**Extreme Heat Threatens Italy’s Parmesan Heartland, Farmers Warn of Crisis**

*Introduction*
A relentless wave of high temperatures sweeping across northern Italy is putting the centuries‑old tradition of Parmigiano Reggiano at risk. Farmers in the Emilia‑Romagna region, where the cheese’s protected designation of origin (PDO) mandates strict pasture and milk‑quality standards, report dwindling forage yields and stressed livestock. The heatwave, which has pushed daily averages above 35 °C for weeks, is forcing producers to confront a scenario that could alter the flavor, texture, and very availability of the world‑renowned cheese.

*Key Developments*
Recent surveys conducted by the Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano show a 12 % drop in milk output per cow compared with the same period last year. Grazing lands that once supplied nutrient‑rich grasses are now parched, prompting some dairy owners to supplement feed with imported hay—a practice that raises costs and threatens the PDO’s requirement for locally sourced forage. In addition, several small‑scale caseifici have reported irregularities in curd formation, attributing the issue to elevated barn temperatures that affect bacterial cultures essential for the cheese’s aging process. GranTerre’s international sales director echoed the concern, noting that the product’s 800‑year legacy could be jeopardized if climate pressures persist.

*Industry Analysis*
The Parmigiano Reggiano supply chain is highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Milk quality directly influences the cheese’s proteolysis and flavor development during the minimum 12‑month maturation. Heat stress reduces cows’ feed intake and alters milk composition, lowering fat and protein percentages—key parameters for the cheese’s characteristic granular texture. Economically, the consortium estimates that a sustained 10 % decline in production could shave €150 million off annual export revenues, affecting over 4,000 farms and 300 dairies. Moreover, the reliance on external feed