Halloumi exports exceed €350 million annually, with the government prioritising the protection of the cheese’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status and the preservation of its international market position.
Speaking during a discussion on PDO halloumi at the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Andreas A. Gregoriou, Director-General of the Agriculture and Rural Development Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture, outlined measures to increase sheep and goat milk production, improve inspections and ensure compliance with the product’s specifications.
He said the extension of the transitional period for compliance with the PDO specifications until July 2029 was accompanied by a comprehensive action plan to support the sector and ensure the rules are implemented smoothly.
26 large sheep and goat farming units planned
Among the measures is a plan to develop 26 large sheep and goat farming units on state-owned land, each with more than 800 productive animals. Gregoriou said the plots had already been allocated to beneficiaries.
In December 2024, sheep and goat farmers also received €2 million in emergency subsidies based on productivity. The aim was to encourage investment that could help reduce seasonal fluctuations in milk production.
From 2025, the annual €4 million headage subsidy for sheep and goat farmers was also revised. Instead of being calculated solely on the number of animals, the support is now linked to productivity to encourage higher output.
Further funding has been provided through the major investment programme. According to Gregoriou, almost half of the total subsidies – €29 million out of €67 million – relate to sheep and goat farming.
Cow’s milk quantities remain unchanged
The quantities of cow’s milk available for PDO halloumi production will not be increased further and will remain at 2024 levels.
The annual allocation stands at 234,000 tonnes, allowing up to 19,500 tonnes of cow’s milk to be used each month for PDO halloumi production.
A software system has also been introduced to record sheep and goat milk delivered to the dairy industry for halloumi production. Data collection began in October 2024, while figures have been cross-checked against multiple sources since January 2025. The system became fully operational across all sources in May 2025.
Gregoriou said the system was an important tool for supporting decisions and strengthening oversight of production.
Tougher legislation and additional checks
The government is also seeking to tighten legislation for producers who fail to comply with PDO specifications and to intensify inspections. The relevant bill was submitted to the House of Representatives on 24 November 2025.
Two research projects are also under way. The first, AGRICYGEN, is being implemented by the Agricultural Research Institute and focuses on the genetic improvement of sheep and goats.
The second project, conducted in cooperation with the Cyprus University of Technology and the State General Laboratory, aims to detect milk powder in PDO halloumi. It began in summer 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Two committees to monitor halloumi
Two committees have been established to coordinate and monitor issues concerning PDO halloumi.
The first is an interdepartmental committee chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, with representatives from relevant ministries and services. It also includes Dr Fotis Papadimas, a halloumi expert and academic at the Cyprus University of Technology.
The second is a monitoring committee chaired by the president of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Its members include representatives of the Cyprus Cheesemakers Association, organised sheep and goat farmers, cattle farmers and agricultural organisations.
Separate meetings were also held in early September with cheesemakers, cattle farmers and the seven recognised groups of sheep and goat producers. Discussions covered European and Cypriot legislation on geographical indications, procedures for registering and amending PDO and Protected Geographical Indication specifications, as well as the relevant rights, obligations and deadlines.
Gregoriou concluded that ensuring uninterrupted exports and fully safeguarding halloumi’s PDO status remained non-negotiable priorities for the Ministry of Agriculture. He stressed that protecting the product required cooperation and responsibility from all stakeholders.
Also read: Cyprus trade deficit reaches €6.3 billion in the first eight months
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
