The government of Cyprus is proceeding with a temporary reduction in the minimum proportion of sheep and goat milk in PDO halloumi from 25% to 15%, effective from May 15 until the end of 2026, in an effort to address the severe impact of foot-and-mouth disease on the island’s livestock sector. The new decree comes at a time of intense pressure on production and has reignited debate over the long-term viability of PDO specifications.
The crisis began following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in February 2026, which led to the culling of 40,128 sheep and goats and 2,816 cows across 109 production units. According to data from the Cypriot Department of Agriculture, sheep and goat milk production in April fell to 7.35 million liters, down from 9.76 million liters in April 2025 — a decline of 24.6%. In contrast, cow’s milk production increased by 4.08%, reaching 28.38 million liters.
Under European regulations, for a cheese to qualify as “PDO halloumi” from 2029 onward, sheep and goat milk must account for more than 50% of the milk mixture.
Cheesemakers argue that, at current production levels, compliance with the previous 25% threshold is practically impossible without significantly reducing halloumi production and exports. On the other hand, sheep and goat farmers, as well as agricultural organizations, express concern that repeated exemptions weaken the PDO identity of halloumi and undermine the transition to the final regulatory framework.
According to European PDO specifications, from 2029 onward sheep and goat milk must make up more than 50% of the mixture for a product to carry the designation “PDO halloumi.” However, the new quota reduction has intensified doubts over whether this target remains achievable under current production conditions.
Source: Phileleftheros
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