Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ agriculture ministry said it has received a new request for additional financial support from the Union of Sheep and Goat Producers’ Groups and that the matter will be assessed by the competent authorities under the existing legal framework. The ministry also said it remained in close contact with the sector as restrictive measures against foot-and-mouth disease continue.
Ministry outlines existing support
In a statement issued on Saturday, the agriculture ministry said it understood the difficulties faced by sheep and goat farmers as a result of restrictive measures introduced to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
The ministry said the government had recognised from the outset the importance of sheep and goat farming to both the primary sector and the wider Cypriot economy.
It said substantial support had already been provided through increased subsidies, while almost 50 per cent of the major investment programme, worth around €30 million, concerns investments in sheep and goat farming.
The ministry added that compensation payments to livestock farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease had already been approved and were being paid as part of measures adopted to support the sector.
Request for additional aid under review
Regarding the producers’ latest request for additional financial assistance, the ministry said it would be examined by the relevant services on the basis of the existing institutional framework and taking into account the needs of the sector.
Possible easing of restrictions under discussion
Authorities are also considering possible relaxations of some of the restrictions currently in force due to foot-and-mouth disease.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency on Saturday, Cyprus Veterinary Association president and epidemiological team member Dimitris Epaminondas said discussions had taken place on Friday with agricultural organisations regarding requests from livestock groups for the easing of certain measures, taking into account the current epidemiological situation.
He said the issues raised would be finalised next week, making it most likely that a new decree would be issued during the coming week or, if that proved impossible, the following week.
Nationwide surveillance begins
Epaminondas also said that nationwide surveillance sampling for foot-and-mouth disease had begun.