**Sheep and Goat Producers Seek Deadline Extension for Animal Inventory**
*Cyprus, October 2023* – The union representing sheep and goat producers in Cyprus has formally requested an extension of the deadline for conducting an animal inventory, originally set for Wednesday. In a letter addressed to Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis, the union emphasized the need for additional time, proposing an extension of at least one month to ensure compliance with necessary regulations.
The inventory process is crucial as it serves as an eligibility criterion for various interventions related to the sheep and goat sector, particularly within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plan for 2023-2027. The union highlighted that the completion of this inventory is essential for producers to access potential capital aid and support measures that may be announced in the future.
One of the primary concerns raised by the union is the requirement for genotyping to be completed by the Veterinary Services prior to finalizing the inventories. Many farms are currently facing delays in this process, which has been exacerbated by a shortage of Veterinary Services staff. The union pointed out that the large number of farms and animals needing attention—particularly in Limassol, where approximately 80 farms house around 14,000 animals—illustrates the scale of the challenge.
The letter to Minister Senekis also referenced additional complications arising from measures implemented to control a recent foot and mouth disease outbreak, which have further hampered the ability of producers to meet the impending deadline. The union argued that it would be unjust for producers to miss out on critical funding opportunities due to circumstances beyond their control.
In light of these challenges, the union has called not only for an extension of the deadline but also for an increase in staffing within the Veterinary Services to facilitate the genotyping process. They assert that without these changes, many producers could be unfairly disadvantaged in their ability to participate in the upcoming CAP interventions and other aid measures.
As the deadline approaches, the union's appeal underscores the ongoing struggles faced by agricultural producers in Cyprus, particularly in navigating regulatory requirements while dealing with unforeseen challenges. The outcome of this request for an extension remains to be seen, as the union awaits a response from the Agriculture Ministry.