The recent cases of foot-and-mouth disease, measures to prevent the spread of the disease, and support measures for livestock farmers whose business has been affected, were discussed on Tuesday by the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The Chair of the Agriculture Committee, AKEL MP Yiannakis Gabriel, said in remarks following the session that they reviewed the issue of foot-and-mouth disease, which is affecting the local livestock sector.
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“With regard to measures to prevent the spread of the disease, as well as compensation and the recovery of affected livestock farmers, we note as a positive development the fact that no new cases of the disease have been detected from June 9 to the present. This development makes it possible to begin discussions and the practical process of helping livestock farmers resume their operations. Regarding compensation, we have been informed that, as far as compensation for culled animals is concerned, compensation has been paid in most cases, and three cases remain pending and are currently under review,” he added.
He noted that compensation payments for milk, animal feed, and hay that were destroyed have been completed.
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“However, the bulk of the compensation—relating to lost income—remains pending; this will be paid to those livestock farmers who resume operations. A response is also pending regarding the request for compensation due to the grazing ban, as well as the additional 15% that has been approved for goat and sheep farmers,” he added.
He also noted that at today’s meeting, organizations representing affected livestock farmers “hinted that, regarding compensation for loss of income, there is a disagreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance—if that’s even possible.”
“We call on the government to proceed as quickly as possible with the calculation and payment of compensation as agreed upon with the affected livestock farmers and agricultural organizations through the Compensation Committee,” he said.
DISY MP Giorgos Karaiskakis, stated that today, during the Agriculture Committee meeting, they heard from the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture regarding compensation for livestock farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease. “We acknowledge that a significant portion of the compensation has been paid, but there are still several outstanding issues that must be resolved immediately. At the same time, we are calling for a comprehensive plan for the future, the rebuilding of herds, and the return of livestock farmers to production. “The Committee will continue to examine the issue at a later stage,” he added.
ELAM MP Sotiris Ioannou, stated that regarding the management of foot-and-mouth disease and the future of livestock farming, the first issue they have raised concerns the occupied areas.
“The fact that Cyprus is under this particular regime of occupation should lead the Republic of Cyprus to request specific exemptions regarding the implementation of the protocols, so that Greek Cypriot livestock farmers—who operate legally yet face harsh treatment from the European Union—are not victimized, resulting in the culling of their entire livestock population. Second, our position is that all livestock farmers should be compensated for all the animals that have been culled,” he noted.
After all, Mr. Ioannou said, that was the promise.
“And the third and final point is that if we want the livestock sector to survive and thrive, there must be immediate, substantial, and meaningful support for livestock farmers, whether their animals have been culled or not,” he concluded.
Source: CNA
