Halloumi is one of Cyprus’s most important export products, with an annual production exceeding 45,000 tonnes, according to Politico.
Most of the island’s milk is used to produce the cheese, and producers have already struggled to secure sufficient sheep and goat milk.
As a result, cow’s milk is increasingly being used, although this is not ideal in relation to the rules governing the traditional recipe.
Disease on the island
A contagious disease, foot-and-mouth disease, has affected the island’s livestock. The disease affects cattle, sheep, and goats, among others, and can lead to significant economic losses.
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In the southern part of Cyprus, entire herds are culled if even a single animal is infected, as required by the EU.
In the northern part, authorities primarily choose to vaccinate animals. However, this method does not completely stop the spread of the disease.
Cooperation under pressure
There is disagreement over how the disease should be managed. Both sides say they are willing to cooperate, but at the same time point to each other as the problem.
The EU maintains that culling is necessary, even though the requirement applies only to one part of the island. At the same time, the EU has sent vaccines to the northern part.
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Farmers in the south have protested against the culling of animals that show no signs of disease. They argue that it has major economic consequences.
Sources: Politico and Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry.
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