In a show of good faith, the Coordinating Committee of Goats and Sheep Producers has decided to refrain from reacting to the new decree dated July 8 2024, which sets out minimum quotas for goat and sheep milk in the production of halloumi PDO.
Despite their disappointment and the prevailing pessimism in the sector, the farmers stated in a press release that they deemed it necessary to give another chance to restore their trust in the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture.
They also mentioned that they would wait for a reasonable period of 6-7 weeks for the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, to deliver on her commitments.
These include regular and stringent administrative controls, ensuring a healthy and competitive market, and immediate decisions on targeted measures to increase goat and sheep milk production and guarantee the faithful application of the halloumi PDO Regulation.
The farmers explained that the current decree will be in effect for one year, after which they expect a new decree to come into force until 2029. This new decree should include a percentage increase in the participation of goat and sheep milk for halloumi production at a rate of 5% per year.
They called on the Minister of Agriculture not to let this extension of the transitional period be marred by tensions and confrontations. Instead, they urged her to make bold decisions and interventions aimed at fully complying with the Legislation and European Regulation for halloumi PDO.
The press release was co-signed by several groups representing goats and sheep producers across Cyprus.
(information from CNA)
