The orientation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment is 2029 when goat and sheep milk should outweigh cow's milk in the production of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) halloumi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Andreas Gregoriou told CNA.

Gregoriou said the Ministry is currently trying to manage the European regulation "in the new five-year transition period we have been granted by the EU" for increasing the use of sheep and goat milk in halloumi.

Noting that there are reactions in relation to the goat and sheep milk quotas in halloumi, Gregoriou said that "we are trying to explain and support" the activities of those involved in the halloumi market, always aiming, as he stressed, "to comply with the provisions of the regulation, which stipulates that in 2029 goat and sheep milk must quantitatively outweigh cow's milk in the production of halloumi".

"Our orientation is 2029, until then we all have to work. Both milk and halloumi producers and us as the relevant ministry" on the issue, he stressed.

The Permanent Secretary added that the decree issued by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou foresees that the quota for sheep and goat milk in the halloumi mix will remain at 25% until August 31, 2024.

She added that from September 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025 the quota for goat and sheep milk is reduced to 15% because animals do not have high milk productivity.

He also said that from 1 February 2025 the quota for goat and sheep milk will increase to 30%.