The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment submitted a proposal for a change in the quota of milk used to produce halloumi under the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) scheme to those involved in the production process of halloumi. This change, if accepted by the stakeholders, will be forwarded to the European Commission, which will decide whether to accept it.
According to the ministry's proposal, dated February 5, seen by CNA, "the aim of the proposal is to strengthen the protection of the product under the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status and to ensure the continued commercial success of the product, for the benefit of those directly involved in its production chain and, by extension, for the benefit of the local economy."
Specifically, the Minister of Agriculture proposes that all products produced under the designation "halloumi" should bear the PDO label after appropriate modifications to the product specifications. The only exceptions are herb and low-fat products, which in any case could not be accepted as PDO products. As stated, with this provision, 90% of the current quantity produced, i.e. 39 600 tonnes of halloumi, will bear the PDO label.
With the adoption of the above provision, it is stated that new products are introduced into PDO production and it would not be possible to maintain the quota at 50%+ for sheep's and goat's milk. Therefore, a minimum quota of 20% sheep's and goat's milk and 80% cow's milk is proposed (assuming that this arrangement is approved by the European Commission). Taking into account seasonality, the above minimum quota corresponds to an average annual quota of 35% sheep's and goat's milk and 65% cow's milk.
It is also proposed to grant an immediate increase, with the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture, of €0.18 per litre in the price of sheep's milk and €0.13 per litre in the price of goat's milk. This increase will be maintained in 2023. For 2024, an increase will be given on the basis of an agreed formula, which will take into account the cost of milk production and the selling price of the product.
Source: KYPE
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