Cypriot government decision on PDO halloumi quotas triggers protests

The Cypriot government has issued a decree reducing the mandatory minimum ratio of goat and sheep milk in PDO halloumi production from 25% to 15%. This decision follows the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which has caused significant livestock losses and forced producers to grapple with supply shortages. Agricultural organizations, including PEK, EKA, and the New Agricultural Movement, have formally challenged the move, questioning the government's data regarding milk production and consumption. Breeders claim that the reduction serves specific industry interests rather than protecting the PDO status of the product. Additionally, farmers are demanding more clarity on the distribution of a 35.6 million euro support package intended to compensate them for animal culling. Representative Stella Petrou of the 'Voice of Breeders' stated that a meeting is scheduled for next Monday with the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, to address these grievances. The producers warn that if their demands regarding compensation criteria, grazing rights, and the quota revision are not met, further mobilizations will take place.