Compensation for farmers to increase amid fight against foot-and-mouth disease

Agricultural organizations in Cyprus have announced a significant increase in compensation for farmers for animals culled as part of measures to combat foot-and-mouth disease. The decision resulted from a meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Agricultural union president Michalis Lytras called the negotiations "encouraging" and noted that the parties have made progress after a series of meetings. According to him, the new compensation rates will be substantially higher than previously proposed and are awaiting final approval from the technical committee.

Lytras emphasized that the authorities intend to go beyond financial support. The next stage will be the restoration of livestock farms and the return of farmers to full-scale work. To this end, additional consultations and the development of industry support measures are planned.

Head of the agricultural association Kyriakos Kailas noted that thanks to increased vaccination, the risk of the infection spreading has decreased, but the problem is not yet fully resolved. According to him, foot-and-mouth disease can persist for several years, and regular vaccination of animals is necessary to combat it.

Kailas also reminded that livestock farming remains a key economic sector, providing employment for a significant part of the population. In this regard, he stressed the state's responsibility to support farmers and preserve the industry.

Amid the crisis, protests by farmers demanding more aid took place earlier. Authorities assure that they intend to continue the dialogue and seek solutions capable of stabilizing the situation and restoring production.