Regarding public positions on the methodology and how each breeder will be compensated, the Veterinary Services clarify the following:
The categories of compensation for the value of the animals slaughtered were formed by Committees for the determination of maximum Compensation prices appointed by the Director of the Veterinary Services in accordance with the provisions of the legislation of the Veterinary Services.
In the categorization of the animals, data were taken into account concerning:
1. the race,
2. the genetic value,
3. the productive situation,
4. the age of the animals.
In addition to the above data, the amount of prices was formed with the active involvement of officials of the Agricultural Research Institute and the active participation of agricultural organizations and representatives of livestock breeders in the context of a Special Advisory Committee that operated under the supervision of the Minister of Agriculture.
The market value of the animals was also taken into account in the price of the animals, which is why indicative invoices were requested and submitted by livestock breeders in order to determine the prices accordingly.
At the same time, the individualized compensation for each animal that was killed was made with an on-site assessment of its condition by Three-Member Compensation Committees which were also appointed by the Director of Veterinary Services. The final assessment of the value of the animals was made on the basis of the categories determined by the Maximum Prices Committee, taking into account the characteristics of each animal separately.
In addition to the compensation per animal, farmers receive 100% compensation for the value of milk and feed that have been confiscated and destroyed on the spot, based on the farmers' recent invoices before the outbreak occurred.
Indicatively, the following real examples of cattle farmers' compensation are mentioned:
1) In a unit with 269 cattle that were slaughtered, €476,280 were paid for the loss of livestock. In addition to the compensation for the killing of animals, €22,632 for the destruction of feed and €10,087 for the destruction of milk are added to the compensation of the farmer.
2) Another unit with 195 cattle that were slaughtered was paid €350,000 for the loss of livestock. In addition to the compensation for the killing of animals, €2,354 are added to the farmer's compensation for the destruction of concentrated feed and €4,741 for the destruction of milk.
Accordingly, the following real examples of compensation for sheep and goat farmers are mentioned:
1) In a unit with 1368 sheep and goats that were slaughtered, €306,569 were paid for the loss of livestock. In addition to the compensation for the killing of animals, €14,831 for the destruction of concentrated feed and €32,206 for the destruction of milk are added to the farmer's compensation.
2) In a unit with 212 sheep and goats that were slaughtered, €47,489 were paid for the loss of livestock. In addition to the compensation for the killing of animals, €7,493 for the destruction of concentrated feed and €286 for the destruction of milk are added to the farmer's compensation.
3) In a unit with 83 sheep and goats that were slaughtered, €15,995 were paid for the loss of livestock. In addition to the compensation for the killing of animals, hay compensation will be added to the farmer's compensation. This farmer did not destroy milk and therefore no compensation is added for milk.
It is recalled that for sheep and goats, the compensation prices are from €47 to €420, for cattle, from €150 to €2,500, and for pigs from €35 to €5000.
Payments have started since May 13 and the goal is to be completed within May.
In addition to the above, livestock farmers, if they wish to reactivate, will receive:
1. Support for loss of income for at least twelve months, until their units fully return to production. The loss of income will take into account labour, fixed costs, social insurance, financial obligations, etc. so that it is fair and based on the real needs of livestock farmers.
2. Reconstitution of livestock with animals of high genetic value on the basis of a State Aid Plan. The criteria and financial parameters of the Plan to ensure genetically improved livestock will be based on the findings of the Special Scientific Committee under Mr. Malas. The financial support will be determined based on the genetic value, productivity, age, etc. of the animal and a maximum value (amount) will be set per category of animal. In cases where this amount exceeds the amount of compensation that the livestock farmers will have received for the slaughters, the state will subsidize the difference at a rate to be determined.
3. Coverage of the cost of feeding the animals that will be acquired with the Reconstruction Plan, for the period when the animals will not contribute to the farmer's income.
In addition to the above, for each livestock farmer, a state official will be appointed to support and guide the reconstruction of his unit, so that the next day can be built with proper, sustainable planning and safety.
The total amount to support our livestock farmers is estimated to exceed €35.6 million.
