The Greek Federation of Geotechnical Civil Servants (ΠΟΓΕΔΥ) has raised the alarm over a growing influx of counterfeit Turkish “feta” products entering European and international markets. Despite warnings issued nearly a year ago, Greek authorities have yet to mount a public response to protect the country’s flagship Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese from unauthorized Turkish replicas of uncertain quality.
According to Greek Media controversy centers around an official document drafted by the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Greek General Consulate in Istanbul (Constantinople). Sent to the Ministry of Rural Development on October 20, 2025, the memo highlighted at least one Turkish manufacturer actively selling products branded as “Urfarm Feta” and “Awassi FETA.” These imitations of Greece’s PDO Feta, marketed both online and in major retail chains, closely mimic authentic Greek production methods. They are manufactured primarily from sheep’s milk, aged in brine for 120 days, and prominently bear the restricted “Feta” name. The consulate expressly requested urgent action from the authorities.
What Greece and the EU do (or don’t do) to protect Greek Feta
Nine months after the initial warning, the situation has escalated significantly. At least five Turkish dairy companies are now producing and exporting cheese under the explicit “Feta” label. This poses a severe commercial threat to Greek producers due to Turkey’s massive livestock advantage as the country has significantly larger numbers of producers. Greece’s neighboring country possesses a flock of approximately 58 million sheep and goats. By comparison, the entire European Union maintains a combined total of roughly 70 million.
This issue coincides with a severe domestic agricultural crisis in Greece. Geotechnical experts warn that the foundational criteria securing Feta’s PDO status are slowly eroding. A recent surge in animal diseases has devastated domestic livestock, causing a sharp decline in available sheep and goat milk. Agricultural authorities project this deficit will shrink Greece’s authentic feta production by 15,000 to 20,000 tons this year alone. Additional internal pressures include a steady decline in indigenous animal breeds, persistent delays in implementing structured grazing plans, and an increasing shift toward intensive farming methods.
Beyond Turkish counterfeits and domestic supply drops, the Greek federation points to shifting European trade policies as a critical long-term risk. Bilateral EU agreements with third countries, specifically the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada and newly forged deals with Australia, have established legal precedents that gradually weaken the exclusive international protection of the “Feta” designation.
Facing a multi-front crisis from imitation products, international trade loopholes, and agricultural hurdles, Greek experts are asking for stricter accountability. The federation urges the Ministry of Rural Development to implement an immediate, comprehensive national strategy.
