€1 million to boost Turkish Cypriot cheese exports

The European Commission's EU-funded assistance program aimed at eradicating zoonotic diseases (those that jump from animal to human) in dairy animals in areas not under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus was officially launched today. The program, with a budget of €1 million, seeks to enhance animal health and food safety standards within the Turkish Cypriot community, enabling them to meet European Union (EU) regulations. Upon compliance, the Turkish Cypriot community will be authorized to market their traditional cheese, Halloumi/Hellim, across the Green Line and designate it as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product on the EU market.

Under the project's implementation, comprehensive testing for the remaining zoonotic disease, brucellosis, will be conducted on 50,000 cattle and 325,000 sheep and goats. Additionally, regular spot checks will be carried out to ensure the prevention of resurfacing diseases that have already been eradicated. Turkish Cypriot veterinarians will receive training to enhance their testing capabilities and animal health monitoring. Furthermore, compensation will be provided to farmers for the culling of infected animals.

Earlier this year, in March, the Commission issued the first PDO certificate for Turkish Cypriot Halloumi/Hellim, following the Commission's PDO system that benefits both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot producers throughout Cyprus. To support all stakeholders in meeting the necessary requirements and fully utilizing the EU quality system, the Commission is actively providing assistance. The concerted efforts aim to facilitate the first commercial transaction of Turkish Cypriot Halloumi/Hellim, meeting the PDO standards, through the Green Line and its subsequent availability on the EU market, expected to occur before the end of 2024.

For the period spanning 2021 to 2024, a total of €40 million has been committed to the assistance program, specifically allocated for the implementation of the PDO system for Halloumi/Hellim within the Turkish Cypriot community.

The launch of this comprehensive assistance program marks a significant step towards improving animal health and food safety standards in the Turkish Cypriot community while paving the way for wider market access and recognition of their renowned Halloumi/Hellim cheese on the EU stage.

[Information from Press release]