The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment reaffirmed its commitment to two non‑negotiable priorities for Cyprus’ flagship cheese: an uninterrupted export flow exceeding €350 million a year and the full protection of its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
Halloumi – a national and economic symbol
General Director Andreas Grigoriou told the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture that Halloumi PDO is “the most important agri‑food product of the Republic of Cyprus and one of the most recognisable elements of the country’s identity abroad.” He highlighted that the PDO recognition links the cheese to Cypriot terroir, tradition and cultural heritage, while unlocking development opportunities across the entire production chain.
Strategic priorities
Grigoriou underlined two strategic pillars:
- Seamless export continuity – preserving the €350 million annual turnover that sustains thousands of jobs across the island.
- Robust PDO safeguarding – ensuring the halloumi designation remains uncompromised.
Achieving these goals, he said, requires coordinated action, timely planning and the full participation of every stakeholder.
Extended transition period
The Ministry has prolonged the transitional period for compliance with the new Halloumi PDO dossier until July 2029. During this window, a comprehensive action plan will be implemented to:
- Boost goat‑milk production, a key raw material for authentic halloumi.
- Strengthen control and monitoring mechanisms.
- Provide the regulatory environment needed for smooth PDO specification application.
New governance structures
Two dedicated committees have been set up:
- Inter‑Departmental Halloumi PDO Committee – chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and comprising representatives from the Ministries of Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Legal Services, Veterinary Services, the Department of Agriculture and academic expert Dr Foti Papadimas (TEPAK).
- Halloumi PDO Monitoring Committee – chaired by the President of KEVE, with members from the Cyprus Cheese Manufacturers’ Association, organised goat‑ and sheep‑breeder unions and agricultural organisations.
Financial incentives and stricter enforcement
In December 2024 the Ministry granted an emergency subsidy of €2 million to goat‑and‑sheep farmers based on productivity criteria, encouraging investment to reduce seasonality. At the same time, legislation has been tightened for any operator failing to meet Halloumi PDO specifications, and inspection frequency has been significantly increased.
Looking ahead
Grigoriou concluded that with the extended transition timeline, the newly formed committees and targeted financial support, Cyprus is well‑positioned to protect the integrity of its Halloumi PDO while maintaining a thriving export market that underpins the island’s economy.