The Council of Agriculture Ministers, meeting today in Brussels, has just approved, without discussion, the new Regulation concerning Geographical Indications and quality schemes.
The provisions of the new Regulation essentially extend, until 2029 instead of July 2024, the possibility of determining the proportion of milk used for the production of halloumi, based on a Decree by the Minister of Energy, Trade, and Industry.
The effort to secure the extension was part of the agreement signed by cheese producers, cattle farmers, and goat and sheep farmers in July 2022.
Following this decision, the publication of the new European regulation is expected, which allows for compliance with the product’s production specifications in five years.
It should be noted that currently, the minimum ratio of goat and sheep milk in the raw materials used for halloumi production stands at 25%, and within five years, this minimum quota must increase to 50%.
