Cheesemakers' School: Training Programme

Ruris took part in the School for Cheesemakers training programme, part of the Programme for the Development of the Cheese Sector in the Centro Region, built on the need to tackle the sector's difficulties.

This training programme sought to promote the production and sale of DOP cheeses on the basis of four main pillars:

• Diversification of activity and a focus on producing qualified, longer-matured cheeses sold in portions;
• Training and qualification of master cheesemakers;
• Digitalisation of the business;
• Product differentiation at the point of sale.

The main actions carried out by Ruris were:

• A study evaluating the impact of the school for cheesemakers
  • Characterisation and analysis of the current implementation models of the schools for cheesemakers;
  • Satisfaction surveys to consult the stakeholders involved (producers, companies, public bodies);
  • Analysis of the impact of the school for cheesemakers on economic activity and on the area, using indicators to be established;
  • Focus groups to establish the sectors' needs in order to increase the production of milk and D.O.P. cheese;
  • Proposal for new school for cheesemakers models to be implemented in future editions.