Greece’s feta name dispute with Canada (video)

Feta is a protected local product of Greek origin in the EU, but not so in Canada

Greece wants changes to an EU-Canadian trade deal because the 2013 agreement does not protect feta cheese. Economy Minister George Stathakis is discussing the Feta name dispute with colleagues in Brussels on Thursday and there is a chance that Greece may veto the deal even though it has been approved by other leaders.

The Greek side’s problem is that feta, a Greek designated item in the EU, is not protected in Canada. Products in Canada can also be called feta regardless of their origin. Athens, however wants these products to be called feta-type and not Feta, the Greek cheese made with goat’s milk. Feta is one of Greece’s top 10 exports with exports to Canda worth three million euros.

In the past there have been similar problems with Greek yogurt.