The decision to set the quota for sheep and goat milk in halloumi PDO at 15% is necessary to prevent shortages and ensure the smooth production and supply of the product, the Cyprus Cheesemakers Association said on Monday.
In a statement, the association said the measure, introduced amid the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, does not only protect Cyprus’ “white gold”, but also all those involved in the sector.
According to the association, the regulation helps safeguard primary production, thousands of jobs in the industry, the domestic economy, Cyprus’ credibility abroad and the future of halloumi itself. It added that the decision was not taken arbitrarily, but was deemed necessary on the basis of measurable data and actual production capacity.
The association warned that shortages would not only affect the market and consumers, but could also create dangerous gaps in international markets. Such gaps, it said, could allow producers in other countries to promote “grilling cheese” products as substitutes for halloumi.
The Cyprus Cheesemakers Association also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the Agriculture Minister and the Halloumi PDO Monitoring Committee.
It added that the state must provide meaningful support to producers, particularly during the current difficult period caused by the foot-and-mouth disease crisis.
