Erden Accuses Naimoğulları of Sabotaging Efforts with “Baseless Claims”

Erden highlighted that factories have invested hundreds of thousands of euros over many years to secure halloumi’s certification, only for Naimoğulları to “ruin it with his remarks.”

“Pointless Fearmongering”

Erden emphasized that blue tongue disease, which affects small livestock at certain times of the year, is a seasonal issue. He stated, “Naimoğulları’s baseless outcry was unnecessary.”

“Sabotage that Gives the Greek Cypriots Ammunition”

Erden also expressed frustration over the impact of Naimoğulları’s statements on ongoing efforts to export halloumi to the South, noting that animal farms need to be disease-free as a requirement of the process. “Now, the Greek Cypriot side might say they won’t allow halloumi to cross,” Erden warned, accusing Naimoğulları of “sabotage.”

“A Non-Contagious Disease That Damages Our Efforts”

Erden stressed that blue tongue is a minor, seasonal disease that does not pose a risk to humans, even if they consume the meat or milk of affected animals. “This is absurd and undermines our business,” he stated.

“Handing the Greek Cypriots an Advantage”

Erden criticized Naimoğulları’s public statements, saying they were unnecessary and only serve to give “the Greek Cypriots leverage.” He questioned, “Now, if they block halloumi exports to the South, what will become of all our efforts?”

“Sky-High Lamb Prices and Illegal Meat Imports”

Addressing high meat prices and the issue of illegal meat imports, Erden pointed out the high cost of local lamb, which he argues drives the demand for cheaper meat smuggled from the South. He challenged, “If lamb prices are so high, why is illegal meat so common? Lower your prices, and fix this problem.”