Cheesemakers on the eastern Aegean island of Lesbos are set to resume milk collection from livestock farmers starting on Friday, following government assurances that the port of Mytilene will reopen for shipments of mature dairy products to mainland Greece and international markets.

According to an announcement by the local association of cheese producers, the move marks a positive step after a full lockdown was imposed on the island’s livestock product market due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. The restrictions had effectively halted distribution, placing significant pressure on island producers.

Despite the development, producers say they are still awaiting formal confirmation from the relevant Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, expected during an upcoming visit.

The partial reopening is seen as crucial for restarting the local dairy supply chain and preventing further economic strain on farmers and cheese producers, a key sector of the island’s economy.