ANIMALS INSTEAD OF MONEY TO REPLACE THOSE WHO ARE KILLED - GOVERNMENT PLAN FOR COMPLETE RESTORATION, MODERNISATION AND REORGANISATION OF LIVESTOCK FARMING - Filenews 23/3 by Angelos Nikolaou
The plan to save the primary sector for those livestock farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease goes beyond the traditional framework of financial compensation and introduces the possibility of direct replacement of livestock, aiming at the immediate reactivation of the units whose animals are slaughtered.
Essentially, the government is introducing an innovative approach: Instead of the traditional monetary compensation, it offers those affected the possibility of directly replacing their livestock.
The decision is based on the "Animal Health Act", which imposes compensation for animals killed or products destroyed. However, recognizing that money does not solve the problem of the lack of animals in the market, the Ministry of Agriculture proposed and the Council of Ministers decided to enable every breeder, with his signed consent, to be able to receive high-productivity animals in exchange for cash. It is noted that the implementation of the plan is subject to the approval of the Legal Service and the Commissioner for State Aid Control.
The total cost of the physical restoration project for the 38 units affected by March 15, 2026, is estimated at €7.4 million. By March 22, the units that have been infected nationwide amount to 44.
Last Friday, a meeting of the competent Services was held at the Ministry of Agriculture where the research carried out by the competent Services was presented. In the first stage, it was emphasized that the approximately 10,000 sheep and goats from 29 livestock units used through the European research program AGRICYGEN could be utilized. Subsequently, until May, depending on the development of the course of foot-and-mouth disease, the issue of transporting animals from abroad will be studied.
At the meeting, it was emphasized that both the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) and the Veterinary Services are "combing" the European market, focusing on the Lacaune (France) and Assaf (Spain) breeds. The results of the survey so far capture a complex picture:
France (Lacaune tribe). The breeding area is under restrictions due to epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) that affects cattle, but restrictions are also placed on sheep and goats. An interstate agreement and strict PCR controls are required, as has already been done with Greece and Italy. Availability is considered extremely difficult for 2026 due to pre-bookings. The window for 2027 concerns up to 20,000 animals (4-5 months) at a price of about €280 per head.
Spain (Assaf tribe). The zone is disease-free, but the demand is huge. For the fall of 2026, the market is already closed, however, efforts are being made to secure 2,000-3,000 animals if the order is placed immediately. For 2027, there is a guarantee for 10,000 animals. The cost is estimated at €260-€280 for 6-month-old animals.
Research highlights the ship as the optimal method of transportation. Although the journey takes 8-9 days, it allows the transport of a large number of animals (about 4,800 per route) at a lower cost, which is estimated at €170,000 – €180,000 from Spain. Road transport through Greece is considered risky due to the cases of smallpox that the country is facing.
At the same time, the YGAAP is waiting for responses from Italy (Sardinia), as well as for other indigenous Spanish tribes to expand the options of Cypriot producers.
It is important to clarify from the Department of Agriculture that since the animals are raised in Cyprus, their milk can be used normally for the production of PDO halloumi, thus ensuring the viability of the industry.
Compensation in three stages
The government strategy unfolds in three stages, ensuring the liquidity and the future of producers:
Immediate financial assistance (advance payment): An advance payment of up to €50,000 per unit has been decided. Payments are expected to begin within the next week. The amounts were set at €20 per sheep and goats and €100 per cow slaughtered, based on the first 16 slaughter reports.
Compensation for hay, feed and animal products: In April, full compensation for hay, feed (coarse and concentrated) and milk destroyed begins. Priority will be given based on the order of killing of infected units.
Income replacement: For a period of 12 months, livestock farmers who will be reactivated will receive aid for the loss of income. The calculation will be individualized, based on tax returns and milk deliveries. For small producers (less than 100 animals), a simplified procedure based on the market average will be applied.
Animals instead of cash: The Ministry of Agriculture recognizes that the lack of animals in the market is the biggest obstacle. Thus, it offers breeders the option instead of money, to receive high-productivity live animals.
A life jacket for pig farmers as well
Although pig farming was not directly affected by the disease, the export blockade (1,000 carcasses per week) created suffocation. Pig farmers from all over Cyprus will be able to participate in the plans since the restrictions on pig farming set by the Commission until May 1, 2026 have to do with both the units located in restricted zones and the rest of Cyprus.
The Ministry of Agriculture is studying the direct aid (de minimis) of €54 per pig (80-120 kg) for the loss of income, private storage to cover the costs of cold rooms for meat storage and population thinning by slaughtering and withdrawing small piglets (up to 20 kg) to decongest the market.
The measures being considered to support pig farming are the following:
>> Send a letter to the European Commission to activate the measure for private storage.
>> Financial support to livestock farmers who have not been directly affected by the disease, i.e. units with healthy animals, but whose commercial activity has been demonstrably restricted due to their geographical location within a protection or surveillance zone.
>> Question to the Commissioner for State Aid Control to examine a request made by pig farmers for the implementation of an exemption regulation for the implementation of a program for the killing and destruction of small piglets, up to 20 kg, so that they can get out of the production process
>> De minimis concession for loss of income to support pig farmers due to restrictive measures and loss of exports. The proposal concerns the concession of €54 per animal killed between 80 -120 kg.
The decade plan with Stavros Malas
Last Friday's meeting was also attended by Stavros Malas, who undertook the formation of a Special Scientific Committee. Within three months, the Commission will submit a proposal for a new, resilient livestock farming model in a ten-year plan. The aim is to upgrade the units, or even move them to other areas to enhance biosecurity. The Committee will include scientists, livestock breeders, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of the Interior and agricultural organizations.
