Halloumi Controversy: Cattle Farmers Boycott Support Measures Dialogue

A significant dispute has arisen in Cyprus regarding support measures for the dairy farming sector, particularly concerning the production of halloumi cheese. Recently, cattle farmers boycotted a scheduled dialogue aimed at discussing these support measures, reflecting deepening tensions between the farmers and the government. The farmers’ absence from the discussions signals their dissatisfaction with the proposed plans, which they believe are insufficient to address the industry’s challenges.

Government’s Stance and Farmers’ Demands

The government has been working on implementing various support measures to aid the struggling dairy sector. These measures aim to alleviate the financial burdens faced by cattle farmers and ensure the sustainability of halloumi production, a key economic and cultural asset for Cyprus. However, the farmers argue that the current proposals do not adequately address the critical issues affecting their operations, such as rising production costs and market pressures.

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Historical Context and Economic Impact

Halloumi cheese, a traditional Cypriot product, has gained significant international recognition and demand. The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status granted by the European Union has further boosted its market value. Despite this success, dairy farmers have faced numerous challenges, including fluctuating milk prices, increased feed costs, and competition from imported cheese products.

Farmers’ Concerns

Cattle farmers have been vocal about their need for more substantial support. Their concerns include:

Financial Sustainability: Farmers are seeking measures that provide immediate financial relief and long-term stability.
Market Protection: Ensuring fair competition and preventing market saturation with cheaper, non-PDO-compliant halloumi.
Cost Management: Addressing the rising costs of feed, veterinary services, and other essential inputs.

The Path Forward

The government’s efforts to engage in dialogue with the farmers indicate a willingness to find a collaborative solution. However, the boycott highlights the urgency for more effective and comprehensive strategies that genuinely address the farmers’ grievances. Both parties must work together to safeguard the future of halloumi production, which remains a vital part of Cyprus’s heritage and economy.

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Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 24, 2026

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

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Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.

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