Jeune Montagne
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Jeune Montagne

Aubrac plateau, southern Massif Central, France

The dairy cooperative and farmers involved in the pilot project are part of Aubrac territory. Aubrac plateau is localised at a central part of France in the southern Massif Central.

The Aubrac, a large basaltic plateau in middle mountains between 1000 and 1500 m above sea level. It extends over 2500 sq. km (250,000 ha) with six inhabitants per sq. km. The Aubrac plateau straddles three departments (Aveyron, Cantal and Lozère) and two regions (Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). Many preserved areas : Natura 2000 areas under Habitats Directive cover approximately 10% of Aubrac plateau : 65%  alpine and sub-alpine open lawn, 10% of semi-natural wet meadows, watercourse, forest, arable land, wetlands,…

© Solagro

© Solagro

 

Crops and Livestock

A local breed called Aubrac is used for its milk and meat quality. Endangered in the 70’s, the breed has been preserved thanks to a group of passionate farmers. Today, Aubrac breed is a very important symbol for the region.

A PDO (protected designation of origin) cheese called Laguiole is produced by the dairy cooperative Jeune Montagne on the territory. The PDO area covers the whole Aubrac territory.

The protected geographical indication (PGI) called Fleur d’Aubrac guarantees that cattle meat is produced with an Aubrac female and a Charolais male, born and slaughtered in Aubrac.

From spring to autumn, cattle go from their stabling to high Aubrac plateau. This is called transhumance, which is also a huge popular event in the region.

Cultivation types
Permanent grasslands, meadows, pasture

Actions developed within the project

  • Working on food quality based on quality of pasture
  • Preserve
  • Diversity of flora and fauna from pastures
  • Diversified habitats (hedges, wetlands, …)
  • Preserve pasture practices
  • Reduce soil erosion, water pollution

Proposal of Measures

  • Pursue the pruning of ash and ensure the rejuvenation of trees
  • Maintain some non mowing habitats to support pollinators (butterflies)
  • Decrease the external concentrates
  • Better locate wetlands
  • Rejuvenation of hedges and new implementation
  • Alternative methods to herbicides on cereals (crop rotation, intercropping…)
  • Definition of a management plan for woodlots (wood energy)
  • Inventory of birds and emblematic species