It has been announced that the European Commission has launched a project, financed by the European Union (EU), as part of the “Aid Program for the Turkish Cypriot Community in Cyprus,” to assist in the complete eradication of animal diseases that affect dairy-producing livestock in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

In a statement, it was mentioned that the Commission has allocated 1 million Euros to enhance animal health and food safety.

It further stated that, “If the necessary criteria are met, the Turkish Cypriot community will be able to introduce Halloumi/Hellim as a Geographical Indication (GI) product through the Green Line trade channel to the EU market.”

Noting that within the scope of the project, 50,000 cattle and 325,000 sheep and goats will be tested for the remaining relevant animal disease, brucellosis, the statement further stated that “Spot checks will be conducted to ensure that the already eradicated diseases do not re-emerge, and Turkish Cypriot veterinarians will be trained to enhance their capacity for testing and monitoring animal health.”

The statement also reminded that the first PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification for Halloumi/Hellim was awarded to Turkish Cypriot producers in March.

“The first PDO-compliant Halloumi/Hellim trade from the Turkish Cypriot community through the Green Line channel for supply to the EU market can take place before the end of 2024. An allocation of 40 million Euros has been made under the Aid Program for the implementation of the Halloumi/Hellim PDO plan in the period 2021-2024 in the Turkish Cypriot community” the statement added.