Biodiversity in the grass-based systems of Massif Central PDO areas

The diversified permanent upland grasslands are the basis for the production of Auvergne PDO cheeses, and have a heritage value in the open landscapes of French Massif Central. In this article, we critically review three sets of experiments or past collaborative experience: the implementation of an ecological rotation aiming for a win-win between production and biodiversity conservation, the creation of a typology of Massif Central grasslands, and an analysis of the way in which farmers perceive biodiversity. This work was conducted in a long-term partnership between farmers, livestock and regional development actors, and research. It is indeed essential to move away from a logic that opposes production to environmental conservation. Our belief is that reconciling the expectations of livestock farmers and those of society is needed to maintain sustainable mountain farming, which preserves grasslands and open landscapes that are essential for biodiversity.