Cyprus reduces minimum goat and sheep milk quota for PDO halloumi production

On May 13, 2026, the Cypriot government announced a decree reducing the mandatory minimum ratio of goat and sheep milk in PDO halloumi from 25% to 15%. This measure, effective from May 15 until December 31, 2026, was enacted by the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Michael Damianos, following a request from the Ministry of Agriculture. The decision follows a severe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that began in February 2026, resulting in the culling of 40,128 sheep and goats and 2,816 cows across 109 production units. Department of Agriculture data indicates a 24.6% drop in sheep and goat milk production in April 2026 compared to April 2025. While total milk production decreased by approximately 10%, cow milk production unexpectedly rose by 4.08% to 28.38 million litres. The Cyprus Cheesemakers Association expressed support for the decree, noting it reflects current milk availability. Efforts are ongoing to gradually increase livestock production to restore full compliance with PDO standards.