CRISIS IN LIVESTOCK FARMING - LAMB IS ALREADY MORE EXPENSIVE - THE MARKET WANTS MORE THAN 50,000 LAMBS AT EASTER - Filenews 19/3
Foot-and-mouth disease has caused concern among livestock professionals, with the market so far having seen a slight increase in the price of lamb, while halloumi production and exports seem to continue normally.
Speaking to "F", the president of the Pancyprian Association of Butchers, Kostas Livadiotis, said that there is some narrowness in the meat market, but for now it is limited.
Asked about meat prices, he said that at the moment the price of lamb is close to €12, recording an increase of close to €1 or 10%, compared to the prices that were in force before the detection of the virus and the measures imposed after the detection of cases of foot-and-mouth disease. As far as the prices of pork and beef are concerned, they remain stable.
700,000 per year
In a relevant question, Mr. Livadiotis replied that in Cyprus every year about 700,000 animals are taken to slaughterhouses, more specifically close to 20,000 cattle, 450,000 pigs and 200,000 lambs, while an additional percentage of the demand comes from meat imports. It should be noted that during last Easter alone, perhaps more than 50,000 lambs were taken to slaughter and consumed.
In fact, regarding this issue, Mr. Livadiotis also referred to the measures taken to reduce foot-and-mouth disease, saying that, due to movement restrictions, there is a problem with the slaughter of animals. An issue that, as he added, has been put before the authorities, so that a solution can be discussed that will allow easier movement and slaughter of animals that will be available for consumption.
The president of the Association of Butchers also referred to the issue caused in Lesvos after the detection of cases of foot-and-mouth disease there. As he said, Cyprus imports some quantities of meat from the region, however, after the cases, their export is not allowed and so they will proceed with the identification of other markets.
In conclusion, Mr. Livadiotis underlined that at this time everyone should listen to the advice of experts, in order to limit the spread of the disease, noting that both vaccinations and killings should proceed at a rapid pace.
Halloumi exports normally
For his part, Michalis Koullouros, representative of the Association of Cheesemakers, commented that at the moment neither exports nor halloumi prices are affected. As he explained, its price does not record an increase while at the same time the cheese factories, in addition to the milk they continue to receive, have stored quantities that allow them to meet the needs of exports. The concern of all producers, as he noted, is if the virus is not contained, as so far the production and export of halloumi is manageable.
Commenting on the health crisis, Mr. Koullouros said that it is too early to say anything specific, saying at the same time that the important thing is that exports continue normally.
"The concern arises from the killings of animals. If a huge number of animals are killed, there may be an issue," said Mr. Koullouros, explaining that 80% of the milk produced in Cyprus goes to halloumi. Adding to the above and explaining how the price of halloumi can be differentiated, he said that this will become apparent later and will depend on the type of animals and the number of killings, as the price of cow milk differs from sheep and goat milk.
"The important thing is to contain the virus. If the dispersion is maintained, both production and exports are manageable," he said, reminding at the same time that of the €400 million a year that halloumi is worth, €350 million come from sales abroad.
Asked about this, he said that if a serious problem arises, it is expected to hit the small cheese factories first.
In conclusion, for the possibility of reviewing the timetable for the implementation of the PDO halloumi quota, so far no such issue has been raised for discussion. As he reminded, the transitional period remains in force until July 2029, noting that until then there is the possibility of submitting a request to amend the specifications of the PDO.
He clarified that the immediate priority does not concern the timing of the quota, but the limitation of the spread of the virus and the substantial support of livestock breeders, so that production can be returned to previous levels.
