The total support package for livestock farmers has reached €28 million, following today’s decision by the Council of Ministers and a previous decision taken on 5 March, according to Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou after the Cabinet meeting.
Referring to the second support package, which includes nine measures to support livestock farmers, approved by the Council of Ministers during its meeting on Monday, Ms Panayiotou said that €24.5 million relates to today’s decisions, while €3.5 million concerns the Cabinet’s decision on 5 March to provide an advance payment.
“The support provided to livestock farmers so far, based on the data we currently have regarding the number of cases and affected animals, has been costed and is the package that was submitted to the Council of Ministers today,” she stressed.
She explained that “essentially we have 9+1 measures”, adding that nine additional measures were approved today, forming a comprehensive package to support livestock farmers.
The package, she said, is intended not only for farmers who have been directly affected, but also to support the livestock sector more broadly through the establishment of a special committee headed by Stavros Malas.
When asked whether the Government had been truthful in stating that animals would need to be culled in line with European regulations, Ms Panayiotou said that “from the very beginning the Government has told the truth”, noting that she had also stated this before the House of Representatives.
“The truth is there and it has also been communicated to the affected livestock farmers, whom I meet and speak with on a daily basis,” she said, adding that “the truth lies in the EU regulation itself.”
Asked whether there were political or administrative responsibilities, the Agriculture Minister said that from the outset the Government had made it clear that its priority was supporting livestock farmers.
“Of course, if anything was not followed or if something was not carried out in accordance with the required protocols or obligations, this will become clear,” she added.
She concluded by stressing that the Government’s focus and responsibility remain supporting livestock farmers, something it has sought to do since the first day.
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Source: CNA
