The debate on foot-and-mouth disease dominated the session of the parliamentary Committee on Finance and Budget for the state budget of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment for 2027.
The director of the Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, answering a relevant question from ELAM MP, Linos Papagiannis, clarified that it remains unknown exactly when the reactivation of the livestock farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease will be completed, emphasizing that this process does not depend exclusively on the Services.
Responding to criticism of the delays, Mr. Pipis revealed the serious obstacles encountered by the state machine in the field, complaining that, while a farm is ready for reactivation, other colleagues of the same breeder show complete indifference. As pointed out, the lack of cooperation and the delay in the cleaning and adaptation of specific neighbouring units essentially hinder the smooth promotion of the reactivation process by area, despite the fact that the necessary actions are being taken within the framework of the responsibilities of the Services.
As mentioned during the discussion, out of a total of 126 affected, 57 units have already declared themselves ready for reactivation.
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis, stated that special importance is attached to the support of livestock farming after foot-and-mouth disease, pointing out that the reconstitution of the livestock is associated with animals of high genetic value, upgraded reproductive management and more rational spatial development of livestock farming.
He added that in 2027, the treatment of foot-and-mouth disease will continue through repeated vaccination of animals and with substantial support for affected livestock farmers.
During the session, the parliamentary groups raised a number of burning issues.
Giorgos Karaiskakis, on behalf of DISY, stressed that livestock farmers are suffering and the simple replenishment of animals is not enough, while he also raised issues about the damage to viticulturists from downy mildew. At the same time, strong concerns were expressed by Prodromos Alambritis about the situation in the Integrated Waste Management Facilities and the odours from the direct landfill of waste.
Giannakis Gabriel and Nikos Kettiros on behalf of AKEL denounced a failure in waste management and the Pay As You Throw system, while they demanded answers about the preservation of PDO halloumi, the illegal use of milk powder and environmental issues in Akamas.
Sotiris Ioannou and Linos Papagiannis on behalf of ELAM called for stricter measures against profiteering and the illegal channelling of products from the occupied territories.
Andreas Apostolou of DIKO and Litsa Drysiotou of ALMA focused on the reduction of water losses, environmental studies and the impact on desalination and coastal areas.
The Minister of Agriculture, Christos Senekis, assured that the Ministry is working intensively to implement the goals, emphasizing prevention, resilience against water scarcity and supporting the primary sector through measurable results.
The proposed budget of the Ministry of Agriculture for 2027 amounts to €532 million and is increased by 3.5% compared to 2026, reaching €580 million together with the co-financed resources. The Ministry's main priority remains water security, to which 43% of the budget is directed with about €230 million for the strengthening of desalination and water projects.
