Five support measures announced
Cyprus has approved €35.6 million in livestock compensation for farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced on Wednesday.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Panayiotou outlined five support measures developed through the Special Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from farming organisations and livestock sectors including cattle, pig, sheep and goat farmers.
She said the measures were shaped based on recommendations from stakeholders, the Agricultural Research Institute, the Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Services.
Compensation payments begin immediately
The first measure concerns direct livestock compensation for farmers whose animals were culled.
Compensation for sheep and goats ranges from €47 to €420 per animal, while cattle compensation ranges from €150 to €2,500 per animal. Pig farmers will receive between €35 and €5,000 per animal.
Panayiotou said the compensation levels are significantly higher than average payments across the European Union and will be paid without farmers having to submit receipts or supporting documents.
Payments begin immediately and will gradually expand over the coming days, with the Government aiming to complete all payments within May.
Income support and livestock rebuilding
The second measure provides income-loss support for at least 12 months to farmers wishing to restart operations.
The third measure focuses on rebuilding livestock populations with high genetic-value animals through a state aid scheme that will be designed by a scientific committee headed by Stavros Malas.
Under the fourth measure, the Government will cover feeding costs for newly acquired animals during the period before they generate income for farmers.
The fifth measure assigns a dedicated state official to each affected farmer to provide ongoing support and assistance.
Support based on real financial losses
Panayiotou stressed that the compensation scheme reflects the real financial circumstances of each livestock unit.
She explained that assessment teams record every animal individually, including age, sex and productivity factors, to ensure fair compensation based on market value.
The Minister added that income-loss support also takes into account fixed expenses such as wages, social insurance contributions and other financial obligations faced by farmers.
She said the assistance is tailored individually to each livestock operation to ensure fairness.
EU co-funding included
According to Panayiotou, some of the compensation measures will receive co-funding from the European Commission, alongside national funds.
She said the higher compensation rates were possible due to Cyprus’ prudent fiscal policy, allowing authorities to compensate farmers fairly and support their eventual return to activity.
Halloumi quota temporarily reduced
Panayiotou also addressed the temporary decree reducing halloumi production quotas.
She said the measure became necessary after foot-and-mouth disease significantly reduced sheep and goat milk production, with Cyprus losing around 10% of its sheep and goat population so far.
The Minister said the Government’s priority remains protecting halloumi exports and safeguarding the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status of the product.
She added that the temporary reduction aims to ensure export stability and protect income across the entire halloumi industry, from farmers to cheesemakers.
The decree will remain in force until the end of the year, although authorities will continue monitoring milk production data and may revise the quota upwards if supply improves.
Source: CNA
Also read: Cabinet approves livestock aid up to 200% above EU levels
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