Nicosia, Cyprus. More than €35.6 million will be allocated to compensate and support livestock farmers affected by the foot and mouth disease outbreak. Veterinary services said payments began on Wednesday and are intended to be completed within the month.
Compensation package and timeline
The veterinary services announced the package on Friday, days after protests and criticism from livestock farmers who said the compensation process lacked clarity despite ongoing negotiations with the government.
Authorities said payments started on Wednesday, with the goal of completing all eligible disbursements within the month.
Compensation rates for culled animals
According to the veterinary services, compensation for culled animals ranges from €47 to €420 for sheep and goats, €150 to €2,500 for cattle, and €35 to €5,000 for pigs.
Officials said the figures were determined by specialised compensation committees appointed under existing legislation.
How categories and prices were determined
The veterinary services said the market value of the animals, breed and genetic value, age, and production status were taken into account to determine categories and prices.
The department said compensation categories were established using documented market evidence, with participation from the agricultural research institute, farming organisations and livestock representatives through a special advisory committee supervised by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou.
Authorities said indicative invoices submitted by farmers were also used to reflect real market data.
Additional compensation for destroyed products
In addition to compensation for livestock losses, affected farmers are receiving 100 per cent compensation for milk and feed confiscated and destroyed, based on recent invoices before the outbreak.
The veterinary services also published examples of individual compensation payments.
What questions do you still have about how your compensation amount is calculated?
