Cyprus goat and sheep farmers have announced plans to protest outside the Presidential Palace on February 11, following a meeting in Choirokoitia over milk quotas for halloumi cheese production.
The protest comes after a recent decree set the minimum sheep and goat milk content for February at 15 percent, with plans to increase it to 30 percent between March 1 and August 31, 2025.
Farmers warn of escalating demonstrations if authorities attempt to reduce the quota further, demanding a clear roadmap for gradually increasing sheep and goat milk content to meet Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) specifications by 2029.
The farmers emphasise their primary concern is protecting halloumi’s PDO status, arguing that the 15-year transition period should not expire without sheep and goat milk becoming the predominant ingredient over cow’s milk.
They have also called for authorities to inspect cheese producers to ensure compliance with February’s minimum milk ratio requirements.
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