**Farmers’ Groups Support Initiative to Revitalize Cyprus Livestock Sector**
In a significant development for the agricultural landscape of Cyprus, the island's primary farming organizations have expressed strong support for a proposed initiative aimed at revitalizing the livestock sector over the next decade. The plan, which outlines strategies for rebuilding the sector from 2027 to 2038, was presented to President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday by a specialized scientific team led by Stavros Malas.
The joint statement from key farming organizations, including the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organization (Pek), the Farmers’ Union (Eka), Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki, and Euroagrotikos, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the livestock industry. The recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease served as a wake-up call, underscoring the vulnerabilities within the sector and the necessity for decisive action.
The organizations emphasized that the successful registration of halloumi as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product presents a unique opportunity for Cyprus to enhance its livestock farming practices. They advocate for substantial investments in both sheep and goat farming as well as cattle farming, which they believe are crucial for the sector's recovery and growth.
Key components of the proposed programme include a focus on biosecurity measures, animal welfare standards, environmental protection, and genetic improvements in livestock. The farming groups also stressed the importance of providing scientific support to farmers to ensure that they can implement best practices effectively.
In addition to these foundational elements, the organizations are advocating for the establishment of organized meat production and fattening units. They noted that Cyprus currently lags in this area compared to other countries, and addressing this gap could foster growth, enhance revenue generation for the Cypriot economy, and promote sustainability within livestock farming.
The farming organizations are urging the government to carefully consider their proposals and to act swiftly in moving towards implementation. They believe that with the right investments and policies, the livestock sector can be transformed into a more resilient and productive component of Cyprus's agricultural economy.
As the government evaluates the proposed programme, the collaboration between farmers and policymakers will be crucial in shaping the future of livestock farming in Cyprus. The commitment from the farming groups signals a proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing the sector and underscores the importance of a sustainable agricultural framework for the island's economy.