Seven sheep and goat producer groups are determined to report to the European Commission. They allege that dairy industries have breached the agreement concerning Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) halloumi cheese. Additionally, they claim that the Ministry of Agriculture has failed to conduct the required inspections, hinting at potential irregularities.

This concern will be a primary point of discussion among the sheep and goat producers who have been summoned for a nationwide gathering in Choirokoitia on September 28th at 8:00 PM. The assembly will address the significant financial hardships the sector is enduring, as well as the perceived threats to the future of this cherished traditional product.

The producers are also contemplating a protest in Nicosia, which is anticipated to culminate outside the Presidential Palace. They will, however, await a reassuring update from the Minister of Agriculture, Petros Xenophontos, before the scheduled nationwide gathering.

In response to these concerns, the Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture has stated that the inspections are being carried out properly, and no illegalities are occurring. Minor violations were detected, he noted, emphasizing that PDO halloumi made in Cyprus adheres to the set standards.

Currently, sheep and goat milk's share in the PDO halloumi quota stands at 10%. Producers are urging for the commencement of a gradual increase from the beginning of the coming year, with a target to reach a minimum of 50% by July 2024.

However, dairy industries vehemently oppose this proposal. Marios Konstantinou, the president of their association, stressed, "No such agreement exists, and nothing of this sort is documented. Post-July 2024, the percentage will be determined based on mutual consensus. This needs to be acknowledged."