Agricultural groups demand urgent government action on foot-and-mouth disease

On September 29, 2026, major agricultural organizations in Cyprus, including PEK, EKA, Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki Kinisi, and Evroagrotikos, sent a formal letter to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis. The letter expresses deep concern regarding the management of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which was first detected seven months ago in the Republic of Cyprus.

The organizations criticize the government for significant delays and bureaucratic stagnation, noting that affected producers remain in a state of complete uncertainty. The lack of a clear timeline for resuming professional activities is causing severe economic and professional strain on farmers. Producers specifically fear that the prolonged situation could jeopardize the protected designation of origin (PDO) status of halloumi cheese.

Agricultural unions are now demanding an immediate intervention from Minister Senekis to establish concrete recovery plans. The current situation remains unresolved as producers await guidance on the necessary conditions required to return to their livestock operations safely and securely.