More than four months after the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the island, the strict measures, and the significant inactivity in the sector, the Union of Sheep and Goat Farmers’ Producer Groups submitted a request for emergency financial support in a letter to the Minister of Agriculture.

“Because there are many problems related to the disease—beyond compensation for dead animals—the animals have been confined to farms since February 20, and that no animals can be moved to livestock markets or anywhere else to relieve overcrowding on the farms. It has now been four months since sheep and goat farmers have needed some form of support because all of this entails significant costs.” ^{Sotiris Kadis, President of the Sheep and Goat Farmers’ Producers’ Group}

According to the letter, they are requesting:

• Immediate provision of emergency financial aid for all dairy goat and sheep farmers
• Subsidization of a portion of the increased feed costs for as long as the restrictive measures remain in effect
• Compensation for lambs and kids that remain on farms due to restrictions on movement and trade
• Immediate support for the storage of lambs and kids that cannot be absorbed by the market
• Conducting a comprehensive economic study to assess the actual impact of the measures on the sheep and goat farming sector
• Implementation of a permanent support mechanism for producers in the event of animal diseases and public health emergencies.

As they warn, failure to provide timely support to producers could lead to serious and irreversible consequences for the sector, including loss of income, the abandonment of farms, and a weakening of domestic production.

“Of course, we’re waiting for an update from the Ministry. We’re talking about Monday or Tuesday—it shouldn’t take too long. It goes without saying that they have to provide support. So we’ll focus on what they’ll provide so we don’t have to take any other action. It is obvious that they must provide some financial assistance.” ^{Sotiris Kadis, President of the Sheep and Goat Farmers’ Producers’ Group}

In a statement, the ministry noted that the request will be evaluated by the relevant agencies in accordance with the current regulatory framework, and a decision will be made based on the sector’s needs.

See the report by Kleio Vourkou