The registration of traditional halloumi cheese as a product with Protected Designation of Origin is imminent, following a decade-long effort, Minister of Agriculture Nicos Kouyialis said on Friday.
Addressing the opening of the Pancyprian Agricultural Fair and Garden Fair, in Nicosia, the Minister noted the commercial importance of this development, in terms of reaching international markets, protecting local cheese makers from international competition and creating jobs.
Kouyialis said moreover that applications for EU quality certifications will be filed for a series of other local products, that will improve the products` visibility and their added value and put Cyprus in Europe`s culinary map.
The Minister also announced that funding from the EU`s Rural Development Programme for the period 2007-2013 has been absorbed almost in its entirety three months before the deadline, after many efforts by all stakeholders involved. In March 2013 only 52% of the funds had been used, out of a total of 300 mln euros.
Kouyialis said finally that it was possible to absorb an extra of 5 mln euros annually in direct payments from the fisheries development programme, while the Ministry managed to limit the impact from the Russian embargo, that hit Cyprus` citrus exports.