Scientific committee proposes 12-year reconstruction plan for Cyprus livestock sector

On August 27, 2026, Stavros Malas, head of the Special Scientific Committee for the Reconstruction of the Livestock Sector, presented two reports to President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace. Established on March 16, 2026, the committee was tasked with proposing a path forward following a severe foot-and-mouth disease crisis that resulted in the culling of over 84,000 animals and significant losses in milk production.

The proposed 12-year recovery and reconstruction program, spanning from 2027 to 2038, involves a total investment of €610.92 million. The plan addresses structural weaknesses including inadequate biosecurity, dense and chaotic location of livestock units, and lack of population monitoring. Key objectives include enhancing genetic improvement, animal welfare, meat production, and environmental management.

Government Spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis described the proposal as a thorough, multi-layered work. President Christodoulides has instructed that the findings be presented to all relevant stakeholders in the coming days to facilitate an inclusive dialogue. While the government has yet to approve the full financial commitment, the program is supported by major agricultural organizations, which believe the post-crisis period offers a unique opportunity to modernize the sector and secure its long-term resilience.