Goat and sheep producers request extension for livestock census

The Union of Goat and Sheep Producer Groups has formally requested that Minister of Agriculture Christos Senekis grant a one-month extension to the livestock census deadline, which is currently set for September 9, 2026. The request was submitted via a letter from the Union's president, Sotiris Kadis, who warned that the current timeline poses a significant threat to the viability of numerous livestock operations.

The primary obstacle to meeting the deadline is the mandatory genotyping procedure, which must be performed by the Veterinary Services. The Union states that a combination of a high volume of animals requiring assessment and chronic understaffing within the Veterinary Services has created a logistical bottleneck, making it impossible for many producers to complete the census in time. This census is critical as it serves as a core eligibility requirement for accessing funding under the CAP 2023–2027 Strategic Plan and other potential capital aid measures.

Without an extension, producers face the risk of losing essential financial support. The authorities are now under pressure to review these administrative challenges to ensure the stability of the sector.