UPDATE: A severe climate crisis is striking Italy’s famed burrata production, as farmers adapt to dwindling milk supplies. Officials report that rising temperatures have led to extreme droughts and fires, severely impacting livestock health and milk output in the Puglia region.
In an urgent plea for change, Angelantonio Tafuno, a 32-year-old cheesemaker from Puglia, emphasizes the need for artisanal adaptations as climate change jeopardizes traditional dairy farming. “We are running a little too much,” Tafuno stated during a recent visit to his family’s farm. He is now focused on producing specialty aged cheeses that require significantly less milk, which is becoming increasingly critical.
With the Puglia region known for producing a majority of Italy’s beloved creamy-centered burrata, cheesemakers are scrambling to adjust their practices. The Podolica cows, a breed known for lower milk production, graze in the fields, but their yields are suffering due to the climate crisis. Tafuno, who invested in 30 head of Podolica two years ago, is pioneering new cheese varieties to cope with the ongoing challenges.
Authorities confirm that these environmental changes are pushing farmers like Tafuno to innovate. “Developing cheese varieties that require less milk is essential for facing what is happening now with climate change,” he explained. The urgency of the situation is clear: without adaptation, the future of Italy’s dairy industry hangs in the balance.
As the situation develops, experts warn that if farmers do not change their methods quickly, the production of iconic products like burrata and mozzarella could face significant disruptions. Local cheesemakers are under pressure to find sustainable solutions to ensure not only their livelihoods but also the preservation of traditional Italian culinary heritage.
This crisis serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of climate change on agriculture globally, particularly in regions heavily reliant on specific livestock and dairy products. Consumers are encouraged to support sustainable practices and local farmers as they navigate these unprecedented challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates as Italy’s cheesemakers confront the urgent realities of climate change and its impact on food production.
