Lesvos: Cheese makers halt milk collection

Lesbos cheesemakers are in a critical situation, warning of a complete shutdown of their operations and serious impacts on both the local economy and the environment due to the ongoing export ban on mature dairy products from the island. As announced, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, will be the last day for milk collection by the Lesvos Cheesemakers' Union, unless the relevant measure is lifted by then. Otherwise, the cheesemakers declare their determination to proceed with the suspension of their cheese factories. The ban, imposed by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food as part of measures to restrict the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, has caused intense pressure on businesses in the sector. Producers point out that they are no longer able to manage their stocks, as there are no available storage spaces, and the tracking process on the island is progressing slowly due to a lack of veterinarians. An exception is the Mesotopos cooperative, which announced that it will continue ...