Government approves 1.65 million euro support for pig farmers amid disease outbreak

On July 28, 2026, authorities announced a state-funded support package of 1.65 million euros for the pig farming sector to mitigate the economic impact of an ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Stella Michailidou, the Commissioner for State Aid Control, approved the measure, which is being coordinated by the Department of Agriculture.

The scheme targets small and medium-sized enterprises registered with the Veterinary Services. Eligible farmers can receive a grant of 50 euros per piglet, specifically for animals weighing between 7 and 20 kilograms, provided they are destroyed to reduce herd populations. The maximum aid limit per business is capped at 250,000 euros. This intervention aims to prevent market surpluses and lower production costs associated with fattening animals to the standard 120-kilogram weight.

This funding follows the strain placed on the agricultural sector by the viral outbreak. The program is designed to ensure the operational continuity of farms while managing the risks associated with the disease. Implementation is currently underway, with authorities distributing funds to eligible natural and legal persons who comply with the criteria outlined in EU Regulation 2022/2472.