Cow farmers to protest over halloumi in October
Farmers Frustrated by EU Regulations: Cow farmers in Cyprus plan to protest in October. They are unhappy with the current rules surrounding the production and regulation of halloumi, the island’s famous cheese. The EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for halloumi sets strict production guidelines. These rules include specific percentages of sheep, goat, and cow milk that must be used.
Unfair Competition from Northern Cyprus
The Cow farmers in Cyprus argue that halloumi produced in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus is being sold internationally without following these standards. They claim this creates unfair competition. Halloumi from the north is subsidized by the European Union but does not meet the same regulations. This situation puts cow farmers in the free areas of Cyprus at a disadvantage.(Cyprus Mail)
Concerns Over Future Milk Requirements
Cow farmers also worry about future changes to the PDO rules. The EU may require halloumi to include higher proportions of sheep and goat milk. This change could hurt cow farmers, as they rely on producing halloumi with higher cow milk content. They fear their livelihoods will suffer if the rules shift in favour of sheep and goat milk.
Farmers Threaten Action
The cow farmers in Cyprus have threatened to take action unless the government and the EU address their concerns. They demand fair treatment for all halloumi producers, regardless of their location on the island. The farmers plan to submit formal complaints to the President of Cyprus and the EU. If their demands are not met, they may escalate their protests. This could include staging demonstrations outside government buildings.
Potential Impact on the Industry
The protest highlights growing tensions in Cyprus’s halloumi industry. The farmers’ actions could draw attention to the challenges they face. They hope their efforts will lead to a more balanced and fair system for all producers. (Cyprus Mail)
