Agricultural organisations say FMD measures ‘in the right direction’

The measures to combat the further spread of the foot-and-mouth disease decided on by the cabinet have been lauded as a step “in the right direction” by agricultural organisations on Tuesday.

“The measures create positive conditions and a good basis for the recovery of livestock farming in our country [to] address the problems on a multi-level basis and seek to resolve them as soon as possible,” the groups said.

In a joint statement, Panagroticos, Pek, Eka, Agrotiki Kinisi and Euroagrotikos said the nine measures announced by President Nikos Christodoulides “constitute a first comprehensive package.”

“(…) We hope that its pillars, which concern full compensation for those affected, support for their income and the rapid reactivation of livestock production, will constitute the beginning of a comprehensive and complete reconstruction of the livestock sector, which is so important for the primary sector.”

The groups welcomed the appointment of former health minister and Akel MP Stavros Malas as head of the special scientific committee for the reconstruction and upgrading of the livestock sector.

Describing it as “an important step in the right direction”, they expressed their backing for Malas’ work and said they would actively support him.

Christodoulides had on Monday announced a €28 million nine-point support plan for livestock farmers to ensure full compensation, income support, and a rapid reactivation of livestock production.

Following a cabinet meeting on Monday at the presidential palace, he announced that the government had already introduced advance compensation.

This would be up to €50,000 per unit, conditional on the number of animals and completion of culling. Meanwhile payments were already being made to affected farmers, Christodoulides said.

Such immediate payments are intended to cover hay, animal feed and other livestock products.

Additionally, a 12-month income support scheme will be calculated on an individual basis, taking into account tax returns, milk deliveries and actual income.

Christodoulides said the government would also provide financial support for purchasing animals from abroad to replace the culled animals, prioritising domestic units, while fully covering costs for laboratory tests, vaccines and analyses.

Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou explained that the full €28 million support funds comprise advance payments of €3.5 million, plus the additional €24.5 million approved by MPs on Monday.