in-cyprus 26 March 2020 - Josephine Koumettou
The government will give €50,000 in emergency funds to beleaguered animal welfare associations as they struggle to feed animals under stringent restrictions imposed to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the Council of Ministers, Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis said that the grant would serve to buy food for animals in need and ensure the unobstructed operation of animal shelters during this challenging time.
He also reminded that staff and volunteers can address the Veterinary Services for a special movement permit to care for animals during the lockdown period.
Kadis also announced measures to support the agricultural sectors acknowledging the pivotal role of farmers in ensuring the safety and sufficiency in basic products during the crisis.
Among the measures is a subsidy of water consumption of agricultural activities equal to 20% of farmers’ water bill from March to June 2020, the non-disconnection of water for unpaid bills until August 2020 and the transfer of the latest two-month bill to the next invoice.
The Ministry will also set aside €11.2 million that will be paid out to farmers as reimbursement for damages to crops brought about by bad weather.
It will also arrange for imminent return of VAT paid by agricultural businesses.
He noted that all above measures are in addition to the support package to be announced by the Ministry of Finance.
