More sheep and goat milk in halloumi. Cyprus prepares cheese composition inspections.

Halloumi cheese will contain more sheep and goat milk, and its production will be more strictly controlled. The Cypriot Ministry of Agriculture has presented ten measures to ensure the industry fully complies with EU specifications by July 2029. That's when the transitional period regarding the proportion of milk used ends.

The plan includes support for sheep and goat farmers, farm development, digital supply monitoring, and a method for detecting unauthorized use of milk powder. The latter is expected to be ready by the end of 2026. Some measures have already been implemented, while others require investment, research completion, or regulatory approval.

Halloumi cheese must meet the target milk proportions

Halloumi has an EU Protected Designation of Origin, abbreviated as PDO or PDO. Registration covers the names Χαλλούμι / Halloumi / Hellim.

The specification allows the use of cow's milk, but ultimately the amount of sheep's milk, goat's milk, or a mixture of the two must be greater. Therefore, the goal is not to completely eliminate cow's milk.

The biggest challenge remains securing sufficient raw materials from sheep and goat farmers. Production of this milk is seasonal, making it difficult to maintain a supply that meets the cheesemakers' needs year-round.

The transition period is intended to give the industry time to adapt. The plan presented is intended to help achieve the required proportions without a sharp reduction in production and exports.

More farms and support for breeders

The plan was presented to the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture by Andreas Gregoriou, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The activities included extraordinary aid in the amount of 2 million euros, awarded to sheep and goat farmers based on productivity. It is intended to encourage investments that reduce the seasonality of supplies. 4 million euros provided for support linked to actual production.

Development is also planned 26 large farms, each of which will house over 800 production animals. State-owned plots designated for this purpose have already been allocated to beneficiaries.

Additionally €29 million of an investment package worth €67 million It is intended for the sheep and goat breeding sector. The activities will be complemented by a genetic improvement program run by the Institute of Agricultural Research.

Cow's milk with a limit, deliveries under digital supervision

The amount of cow's milk used for the production of PDO halloumi is to be maintained at the level of 2024: maximum 234 thousand tons per year, That is 19.5 thousand tons per month.

This is a limit on the amount of raw material used in the entire sector, not on the permitted percentage of cow's milk in a specific cheese.

The digital system is intended to enable more efficient recording and comparison of deliveries. The plan also includes two committees responsible for implementing measures and monitoring the market, as well as tightening regulations and controls. A draft of the relevant legal changes has already been submitted to Parliament.

Halloumi - key numbers and terms

July 2029

End of transition period regarding target milk proportions.

26 farms

Large sheep and goat breeding units planned on allocated state plots.

234 thousand tons

Annual ceiling on cow's milk used to produce PDO halloumi.

End of 2026

Announced date of readiness of the method for detecting milk powder.

The tests are intended to detect milk powder

The Cyprus University of Technology, the State General Laboratory and the Department of Agriculture are working on a method to detect the unauthorized use of milk powder.

Researchers analyze samples and create a comparative database to confirm results. The goal is to create a tool that, once validated, can be used in audits.

This doesn't mean that the use of powdered milk has been proven effective for all producers, or that every previous monitoring method has been ineffective. The new study aims to better identify specific types of irregularities.

What will change for buyers?

A higher percentage of sheep and goat milk may affect the cheese's flavor, aroma, and structure. However, these changes will not occur simultaneously in all products.

When purchasing, it's worth reading the ingredients and checking the PDO label. Don't assume that every halloumi cheese contains the same milk blend or that every package lists the exact proportions.

Another Cypriot cheese is also associated with the production of halloumi — anari, which we described in a separate material.

The stakes are high for the economy: according to information presented to the commission, the annual value of halloumi exports exceeds 350 million eurosThe authorities want to simultaneously protect the product's specifications and maintain its position in foreign markets.

Sources: Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Cyprus, Philenews, Cyprus Mail, EUR-Lex.