Livestock farmers prepare for protests over delayed foot-and-mouth disease compensation

Livestock farmers are planning protest actions due to significant delays in receiving government compensation following outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. The grievances involve four affected units that have yet to receive promised payments, leading to severe financial instability and frustration within the agricultural sector.

Neofytos Neofytou, president of the "Voice of Farmers" organization, stated that despite written assurances, the government has failed to provide the funds. During a meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture and Veterinary Services, officials explained that the delays are caused by legal complications. Specifically, the Legal Service identified illegal animal movements at the affected sites, which has blocked the compensation process. The Director of Veterinary Services has requested further clarification to determine whether these payments can proceed, while the Ministry of Agriculture has reportedly granted additional time to Christodoulos Pipis to address the matter.

Agricultural producers are now demanding immediate action, noting that if the situation is not resolved, they will resort to demonstrations as a final measure to secure the support they were promised.