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It is with great pleasure that I am here today, at the Halloumi and Trahanas Festival, in Menoiko, on behalf of the President of the Republic, who, due to other unfulfilled obligations, has not been able to be here with us.
The Festival, which is being held for the fourth time, tends to become an institution year after year. An institution that aims to promote and make known to new generations two unique, traditional products of our land, halloumi and trahanas.
The community of Menoikou, as an agricultural region, has for years been an important custodian of the traditional products of Cyprus and especially of halloumi and trahanas. The establishment of the annual festival, which attracts more and more visitors, is a clear proof of the region's efforts to preserve and pass on the tradition it has inherited. The identity of a place is undoubtedly linked and defined by its customs, traditions and gastronomic culture. Halloumi and trahanas are the living relics of our island's agriculture, livestock farming and cuisine. In October 2021, the European Commission, recognizing the specificity and uniqueness of our product, registered the name Halloumi in the register of the European Union as a Protected Designation of Origin product.
In October 2021, the European Commission, recognizing the specificity and uniqueness of our product, registered the name Halloumi in the register of the European Union as a Protected Designation of Origin product. This registration is a huge achievement and a great success for the Republic of Cyprus, the agricultural economy and the economy of our country in general. The registration now gives European recognition to the added value of Halloumi. Above all, however, it helps to ensure its quality, as well as to protect it from imitation products which until recently usurped its name and reputation. Products which have not been produced in Cyprus cannot be marketed in the European market bearing the Halloumi name.
The demand for Halloumi from foreign markets is increasing. Exports, in the first quarter of 2023, amounted to €111.8 million, which corresponds to 20.49% of the value of exports of Cypriot products. Nevertheless, under no circumstances should we underestimate and downplay the importance of maintaining and preserving the high quality of our product, which is directly linked to its high levels of demand from the markets. The quality of Halloumi, as stated in the registration specifications, is largely due to the local goat and sheep's milk used in its production.
Friends,
Undoubtedly, preserving the quality and value of Halloumi requires a collective effort on the part of both its producers and milk producers. In this effort, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment will always be of assistance. Recognizing the valuable contribution, but also the significant difficulties faced by the sheep and goat sector in Cyprus, within the framework of the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027, we have set as a priority the provision of support and additional incentives to our sheep and goat farmers. In particular, I refer to the Interventions for "Investments for modernisation, improving the competitiveness of the overall performance and sustainability of farms", for "Investments contributing to environmental protection and animal welfare", and for "Investments for the treatment and management of animal waste". Additional incentives are also provided through the Intervention for "Establishment of young farmers" in the livestock sector, while the Intervention for "Animal Welfare" also concerns our sheep and goat farmers, as a premium is given for commitments that promote the welfare of sheep and goats.
The Intervention for "Coupled Support for Sheep and Goats" is designed to provide sheep and goat farmers with an additional income support.
The Intervention for "Coupled Support for Sheep and Goats" is designed to provide sheep and goat farmers with an additional income support.
The Intervention for "Coupled Support for Sheep and Goats" is designed to provide sheep and goat farmers with an additional income support. The Intervention is related to the number of animals and the quantity of milk produced and delivered to dairies and producer groups, and takes into account the difficult economic conditions that have developed in international markets, particularly in feed prices and other inputs in the sector.
In conclusion, I would like to assure you that the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and I personally, as well as I myself, stand by Cypriot farmers, ready to listen to their needs and concerns. Only by working together will we be able to achieve our goals, which are none other than to upgrade our Cypriot agri-food sector, to improve the competitiveness of local products and to revitalize our countryside.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Halloumi is the "diamond" of traditional Cypriot agricultural products and the pioneer in paving the way to international markets for other Cypriot agricultural products such as trahanas.
Have fun. Thank you.
(MGM)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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