Livestock farmers dispute foot and mouth disease compensation package

Livestock farmers, represented by the organization Voice of the Livestock Farmers, remain in dispute with the Cypriot government regarding the compensation package for the foot and mouth disease outbreak. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced that the cabinet-approved package includes compensation for culled animals, income support for 12 months, farm restructuring support, feed cost coverage, and designated state officers. Compensation rates range from €47 to €420 for sheep and goats, €150 to €2,500 for cattle, and €35 to €5,000 for pigs, depending on specific criteria. Minister Panayiotou stated that payments will begin immediately with the goal of completion by the end of May. However, farmers' spokeswoman Stella Petrou claims that the calculated amounts are inadequate and that the process for setting criteria lacked input from livestock producers. Petrou further criticized the lack of inclusion of livestock associations in the decision-making process. Farmers are currently reviewing the situation and have stated that protests remain a possibility if their concerns are not addressed. The government has declined a direct meeting between the farmers and the president, directing them to the relevant ministries.