**Cabinet Approves €6.35 Million Support Package for Farmers Affected by Foot and Mouth Disease**
On Wednesday, the Cabinet of Cyprus approved a significant financial support package totaling €6.35 million aimed at assisting livestock farmers impacted by an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. This decision reflects the government's ongoing commitment to bolster the recovery of the agricultural sector, particularly for those who have faced substantial losses due to the disease.
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced that the approved package consists of €4.85 million designated for compensation payments to farmers. These payments are intended to cover losses incurred from the culling of livestock, as well as losses related to milk production and animal feed. Additionally, the package includes €1.5 million earmarked specifically for targeted support directed at sheep and goat farmers.
Minister Panayiotou emphasized that this new funding brings the total government support for the livestock sector to an impressive €39 million. "With these €4.85 million, we estimate that we will complete all compensation payments related to the loss of livestock, hay, milk, and other damages,” she stated, highlighting the government's proactive approach to addressing the financial impact of the disease on farmers.
Addressing concerns regarding the timeliness of compensation payments, Panayiotou rejected claims that the process had stalled. She clarified that approximately €16 million had already been disbursed to affected farmers, with only 15 cases remaining outstanding. These cases are under review due to discrepancies identified during the verification process, which involve differences in livestock counts or other legal issues. The minister assured that these cases have been referred to the Legal Service for final checks before payments can be made.
"I want to stress that these are the last 15 livestock farmers," she reiterated, countering any narratives suggesting that the government has failed to provide necessary support. "Claims that we have not paid compensation or provided support are simply not true."
The additional €1.5 million allocated for sheep and goat farmers underscores the government's recognition of the critical role these producers play in the agricultural economy of Cyprus, particularly in relation to the island's renowned halloumi cheese industry. Panayiotou pointed out that the majority of sheep and goat farmers are small and semi-professional producers, making targeted support essential for their sustainability.
This new funding initiative follows commitments made during a recent meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and livestock farmers, where the government pledged to simplify the compensation process. Under the revised procedure, farmers are now required to sign a declaration when registering and culling animals, allowing the Veterinary Services to manage the remainder of the process. This streamlined approach is designed to facilitate quicker compensation once each case is approved.
Minister Panayiotou concluded by reaffirming the government's dedication to supporting livestock farmers throughout the ongoing recovery from the outbreak. She noted that the additional funding is a testament to the government's promise to stand by the agricultural community during challenging times.
As the situation develops, the government remains focused on ensuring that affected farmers receive the necessary support to recover and sustain their livelihoods, reinforcing the importance of the livestock sector to Cyprus's agricultural landscape.