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- Ελληνικά
Regarding yesterday's and today's publications related to the management of halloumi, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (MDAE) informs that it is in consultation with all stakeholders in the production chain of the product, in order to maximise the benefits of its registration as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product.
The consultation concerns possible changes to be promoted in relation to the product's characteristics, in accordance with the procedures laid down by the European Union (EU).
The debate is based on clear principles, set out from the outset by the Ministry and agreed on behalf of all the parties involved in the dialogue (sheep and goat farmers, cow farmers, cheesemakers and farmers' organisations) and relating to the following parameters:
- Safeguarding the reputation of the product and strengthening the protection of the designation against imitation products. The eventual agreement would also imply the withdrawal of all legal measures taken at national and European level against the inclusion of halal in the EU's list of PDO products.
- Ensuring the viability of sheep and goat farmers, given their current disadvantage, which is recognised by all stakeholders;
- maintaining (at least) existing buyers, exports and the product's potential, as well as exploiting all milk production, both sheep and goat and cow.
- Particularly with regard to the quota of goat's and cow's milk in the mixture from which the halloumi comes, any possible differentiation should be acceptable to the EU and applicable from 2024.
- Universal acceptance and strict implementation of the agreed solution, through the establishment of a mechanism for monitoring controls, with the participation of all stakeholders.
- Support for the agreement to be reached by the Government.
The proposal leaked to the media yesterday is one of several variations of proposals discussed during the dialogue held in a very constructive atmosphere in recent weeks. Other alternatives were also extensively discussed. The SGI does not wish to comment on this or any other proposal while the dialogue with all stakeholders is ongoing. It also calls on the stakeholders involved in the dialogue to do the same, remaining committed to evaluating the proposals that have been discussed, thus contributing to finding a mutually acceptable solution that will bring significant additional benefits, both for themselves and for the local economy.
The Hellenic Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development makes it clear that, if no agreement is finally reached, it will in no way alter the need to apply the framework established by the relevant EU Regulations in relation to the registration of halal flour in PDO products, which it is determined to apply with the utmost rigour.
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