**Govt Allocates Over €1.6 Million in Aid to FMD-Affected Pig Farmers**
The government of Cyprus has announced a financial aid package totaling €1.65 million for pig farmers impacted by an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) earlier this year. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou confirmed the allocation on Wednesday, emphasizing that supporting livestock farmers has been a primary focus for the government since the outbreak began.
Under the new funding scheme, farmers will receive compensation of €50 for each pig that was culled due to the disease, with a cap of €250,000 per farm. This decision was made in collaboration with the pig farmers’ association to ensure that the compensation meets the needs of those affected.
This aid package follows a series of measures previously announced in May, where the government outlined compensation rates for other livestock affected by FMD. For sheep and goats, farmers were set to receive between €43 and €178 for regular animals, and between €47 and €420 for those considered to have high genetic value. Cattle farmers were also included in the compensation plan, with payments ranging from €150 to €1,500 for regular cows, and up to €2,500 for exceptional cattle.
It is important to note that the current compensation rates for pigs align with the European Union's maximum values for co-financing compensation for culled animals. The EU sets the maximum compensation at €125 per pig, allowing the Cypriot government to claim up to €37.50 from the EU for each culled animal. In contrast, previous compensation amounts for sheep and cattle exceeded these EU limits, which may have implications for future funding strategies.
Minister Panayiotou has expressed concern over the devastating impact of losing livestock, describing it as a tragic event for farmers who have dedicated their lives to raising their animals. She has pledged substantial support for livestock farmers as they navigate the aftermath of the outbreak.
In a related development, questions have arisen regarding Panayiotou's future in her ministerial role. Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou indicated last week that a change in the agriculture minister position is imminent. Panayiotou, who is also a philology teacher, was recently included on a list for teaching appointments in the upcoming academic year, which would necessitate her resignation from the government. However, her party, Edek, has stated that it has not been officially informed of any such plans regarding her departure.
Party spokesman Giorgos Georgiou reaffirmed the party's commitment to maintaining its representation in the government to effectively implement its program. As the situation develops, the government’s response to the FMD outbreak and the support for affected farmers will remain a critical focus for both the agricultural community and the administration.
The allocation of funds and the ongoing dialogue between the government and agricultural stakeholders will be crucial as Cyprus seeks to mitigate the effects of the disease and support its livestock sector in the coming months.