Goat, sheep milk to ‘surpass’ cow’s in PDO halloumi ‘in 2029’

The quantity of goat and sheep milk in halloumi compliant with the European Commission’s Protected Designation or Origin (PDO) regulations will surpass the quantity of cow’s milk in the product in 2029, the agriculture’s permanent secretary Andreas Gregoriou said on Tuesday.

He said his ministry is “currently trying to manage the European regulations” related to halloumi, related to the extended five-year transition period the European Union granted for the transition of PDO halloumi to contain more goat and sheep milk.

The European Commission had granted Cyprus a five-year extension in July.

The initial ten-year transition period, which was set to expire on July 9, was set to be missed after the requisite progress was not made in terms of transitioning halloumi production to include more goat and sheep milk due to ongoing disagreements between various stakeholders regarding milk quotas and their implementation.

On this, Gregoriou said there have been “reactions” from stakeholders since the extension was granted, but that his ministry will now “try to explain and support” the various stakeholders, with the aim of complying with the relevant regulations by the end of the current extension period.

“Our orientation is 2029. Until then, we all have to work. That includes those who produce milk and halloumi, as well as us at the ministry,” he said.

The regulations at present stipulate that until August 31, the quota of goat and sheep milk in PDO-compliant halloumi is 25 per cent.

This will drop to 15 per cent between September 1 and January 31 next year, as during the autumn months, goats and sheep produce less milk. Then, from February 1 next year onwards, the quota will rise to 30 per cent.

The legislation dictates that there be a gradual transition to an eventual 50-50 split between cow’s milk and goat and sheep milk in the PDO product