French Environmental Activists Target Comté Cheese with Support from Facebook Pioneer

paris - French environmental activists aim to boycott Comté cheese due to its environmental impact and animal welfare concerns, supported by Facebook pioneer's foundation. Cheese lovers defend with #TouchePasAuComte.

French Environmental Activists Target Comté Cheese

French environmental activists are calling for a boycott of Comté cheese, citing its harmful effects on the environment and animal welfare. The Montbéliarde cows' waste, used to make the famous cheese, pollutes the soil and waterways of the region.

Activists' Claims

Activists urge consumers to stop consuming Comté cheese, alleging that the cows' waste contaminates the environment. Pierre Rigaux, a self-proclaimed 'naturalist' and 'ecologist,' accuses Comté cheese lovers of contributing to pollution and animal cruelty.

Support from Animal Rights Groups

Parti Animaliste and activist group L214 back Rigaux's stance, condemning institutional violence against animals. The backlash against Comté cheese sparked the hashtag #TouchePasAuComte, defended by cheese enthusiasts.

Behind the Scenes

Ecologists and animal rights activists have long criticized the cheese industry for biodiversity depletion and animal mistreatment. The anti-cheese movement allegedly receives funding from Dustin Moskovitz's foundation, Open Philanthropy.

Open Philanthropy's Support

In 2017, Open Philanthropy donated 1.14 million euros to L214 for campaigns against unethical farming practices and to promote plant-based alternatives. The foundation renewed its support in late 2020 with a 1.4 million euro donation for further research and initiatives.