Newsroom
Cyprus’ most famous cheese is once again at the center of a growing crisis after the government announced it will temporarily reduce the amount of goat and sheep milk required in halloumi production because of the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
Under a new decree, the minimum percentage of goat’s and sheep’s milk used in halloumi will drop from 25% to 15% starting next Friday and remain in place until Dec. 31, 2026.
The decision comes as livestock farmers continue to struggle with the impact of the disease, which has affected herds and disrupted milk production across parts of the island.
For many Cypriots, halloumi is more than just a product; it is part of everyday life, from family breakfasts to summer barbecues, and one of the country’s biggest export success stories. Any change to its recipe tends to trigger strong reactions from farmers, producers, and consumers alike.
According to the decree issued by the Ministry of Energy at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, the current supply of goat’s and sheep’s milk is simply not enough for producers to fully comply with the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) specifications for Halloumi / Hellim.
The PDO rules, approved by the European Union, define how halloumi must be produced in order to legally carry the protected name.
The latest change highlights the growing pressure the livestock sector is facing as authorities battle the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Farmers have already voiced concerns over mass animal culls, compensation issues, and fears over the long-term impact on the industry.
The temporary reduction is expected to help producers continue manufacturing halloumi without major disruptions to supply, though it may reignite debate over the authenticity and quality of the cheese.
Halloumi producers have long argued that maintaining the required percentages can become difficult during periods of low milk production, while livestock farmers insist that lowering the quota undermines the traditional character of the product and hurts local sheep and goat farming.
The measure will remain in force through the end of the year unless revised earlier by the government.
