The proposed program for the reconstruction of Cypriot livestock farming for the period 2027-2038, which was presented today to the President of the Republic by the Special Scientific Committee under Stavros Malas, finds support from agricultural organizations. The Government speaks of a "very thorough work", with specific proposals for the medium and long term, which will be put up for discussion with the stakeholders before their finalization.
A very thorough work has been done by the Special Scientific Committee for the reconstruction of livestock farming, Government Spokesman Mr. Konstantinos Letympiotis said today.
In his statements to journalists, at the Presidential Palace, in the context of his briefing to the media, and asked about the meeting that the President of the Republic had this morning with the Head of the Special Scientific Committee for the reconstruction of the livestock sector, Mr. Stavros Malas, the Spokesman said that "the President was informed by the Committee.
As he said, the goal is to reconstruct a key sector for the country, noting that the findings presented are specific and have both a medium and long-term horizon.
"On the instructions of the President of the Republic, in the immediate future, the bodies involved will be informed, possibly they have already started to be informed. These findings will be presented to all stakeholders, so that there can be a constructive exchange of views to reach its final form so that we can move on to the next stage, which is now the adoption and implementation of these findings," he added.
The two Malas reports
For his part, Stavros Malas announced that he submitted two separate reports to the President.
They concern:
1. The reactivation of the affected livestock units by livestock area and location.
2. The reconstruction of Cypriot livestock farming after the Foot-and-mouth Disease crisis, including the proposed twelve-year Recovery and Reconstruction Program 2027-2038.
In a public announcement, Mr. Malas states that with the instructions of the PtD, it has been agreed that the study and the proposals of the Committee will be presented publicly, within the next few days, with the participation of all stakeholders and interested parties.
The aim is to provide full information and meaningful dialogue around the proposals for the recovery, modernization and long-term reconstruction of Cypriot livestock farming.
The head of the Committee also stated that the public presentation of the reports will be the starting point for the wider discussion that is required, so that the great crisis caused by Foot-and-mouth Disease can be turned into an opportunity for substantial reorganization and the creation of a more productive, sustainable and resilient livestock sector for Cyprus.
At the same time, he thanked the Presidency of the Republic for the trust in the Commission, as well as the scientists, public officials, representatives of livestock breeders, the production chain and all those who contributed to the preparation of the reports.
"None of the members and participants in the work of the Committee received any additional remuneration or other financial benefit for their participation and contribution," he noted.
Agricultural organizations support the program for the reconstruction of livestock farming
The Agricultural Organizations PEK, EKA, Panagrotiakos, Nea Agrotiki and Euroagrotikos support, with their announcement, the proposed program for the Reconstruction of Cypriot Livestock 2027-2038, which was submitted today to the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides by the special scientific team under Stavros Malas.
"It is a fact and understandable to everyone, that the Foot-and-mouth crisis now obliges us to proceed with radical decisions with long-term changes, for the development of Livestock," the announcement states.
It is added that "after the great conquest and the registration of Halloumi as PDO, it is imperative that the Republic of Cyprus proceeds with a program to significant investments, in Goat and Sheep Breeding and Cattle Breeding".
The Agricultural Organizations note that Biosecurity, animal welfare, environmental care, genetic improvement and scientific support for producers, "are among the first steps that should be taken".
They also state that "the proposed development of organized meat producers and fattening units, where Cyprus is currently lagging behind, will create all those prospects for development in this sector as well".
"So the economy of Cyprus will have additional revenues, while livestock units will be more sustainable," they add.
"We call on the Government, after studying the proposed proposal, to proceed immediately with the implementation of the proposals," the announcement concludes.
