Genotyping sheep in the TCc

09/17/2025

We are pleased to announce that participating sheep farms under the eunite Pilot Breeding Programme have had their very first DNA tissue samples taken for genotyping.

This project aims to optimise the economic viability and market presence of the Turkish Cypriot community (TCc) dairy sector by updating sheep and goat breeding practices and strengthening the dairy value chain across Cyprus. The focus of this work is on increasing the supply of sheep and goat milk to boost the capacity of the dairy sector in the context of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) scheme for Halloumi/Hellim.  This farmer-centric, industry-focused program will involve partnerships with approximately 10 pilot farms, aiming to include a minimum of 9,500 ewes in the programme and will continue until September 2028. This includes Chio, Awassi and Assaf breeds, a product of a cross between Awassi and East Friesian breeds.

In the accompanying photos you can see the first Farm Participation Agreement signed by SFSI Team Leader Michael Parker and the farm manager, Mahmut Gucel at the Mustafa Haci Ali farm. 

Special thanks to the local veterinary expert Emre Bartu Cambaz, Michael Parker, SFSI Team Leader, Michael Barry, SFSI Dairy VC Expert, and farm staff. 

We will be running two farmer information sessions on 30th September and 2nd October and invite potential participants to the partnership to attend.

The eunite Programme is funded by the European Union Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and SFSI works under eunite: AgriBusiness Component B- Strengthened high potential value chains, Boosting the quantity and quality of small ruminants’ milk for PDO compliant Halloumi/Hellim.  AgriBusiness EN – eunite