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Agriculture Minister Announces New Decree On PDO Halloumi Milk Quota

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 9, 2024

In a significant policy shift, Cyprus’ Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced a new decree adjusting the milk quotas to produce Halloumi with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. This decree, effective from February 2025, aims to bolster the authenticity and market strength of Cyprus’ primary export product by increasing the goat and sheep milk content from 25% to 30% in the Halloumi mixture.

Addressing Seasonal Variability and Production Standards

The decree marks a pivotal change in the agricultural landscape, reducing seasonality from six to five months and setting an annual average quota of 23% for goat and sheep milk, up from the previous 18%. This adjustment benefits both seasonal and year-round goat and sheep farmers, providing a more stable production environment and aligning with European Union environmental commitments by limiting cow milk usage in Halloumi production.

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Technological Integration for Enhanced Monitoring

The introduction of advanced software for tracking goat and sheep milk, slated for October 2024, signifies a forward-looking approach. This system will gather critical data to inform future quota decisions, ensuring that the decree is data-driven and responsive to production realities.

Financial Incentives and Infrastructure Development

The government has introduced financial measures to support the agricultural sector in tandem with the quota adjustments. These include targeted incentives for increasing goat and sheep milk production, infrastructure improvements, genetic enhancement, and the expansion of production units. Such initiatives are expected to modernise the industry, making it more resilient and competitive.

Strategic Goals and Long-Term Vision

Minister Panayiotou emphasized the decree’s alignment with the broader goals of sustaining PDO Halloumi’s status and ensuring its market strength. The five-year transitional period granted by the European Commission, ending in 2029, allows Cyprus to gradually meet the EU Regulation 2021/591 requirements, which mandate a minimum of 51% goat and sheep milk in Halloumi production.

By actively engaging with stakeholders and implementing these comprehensive measures, Cyprus is set to reinforce its position in the global Halloumi market. This decree is a strategic move towards balancing traditional practices with modern demands, ensuring the long-term viability of an iconic Cypriot product.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 15, 2025

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

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Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.