Easter meat prices remain at similar levels to last year, with sufficient supply in the market despite earlier concerns over livestock losses, according to the president of the butchers’ association.
Kostas Livadiotis said that while prices initially appeared likely to rise due to foot-and-mouth disease and the culling of animals, the situation stabilised as progress was made in tackling the outbreak.
Supply remains stable despite disease concerns
Livadiotis noted that despite the slaughter of animals due to foot-and-mouth disease, there is still enough meat available on the domestic market.
He explained that improved management of the disease has led many farmers to sell their animals, increasing supply and preventing price hikes.
Transport restrictions causing delays
The main issue, he said, lies in the transport of animals for slaughter, as movement restrictions remain in place due to measures against foot-and-mouth disease.
Traders are not allowed to move between farms on the same day or transport animals from monitored to non-monitored areas, causing delays in collecting sufficient livestock.
Slaughter rates increase ahead of Easter
As a result, traders require several days to gather the necessary quantities, since animals are not concentrated in a single location.
Livadiotis added that with only a few days remaining until Easter, around 6,000 to 7,000 animals are being slaughtered daily to meet demand.
Also read: Electricity market fails to cut bills for most
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
