Nicosia, Cyprus. Groups representing sheep and goat producers have asked Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou for emergency financial support because of the foot-and-mouth crisis. They said restrictive measures to protect public and animal health have placed a heavy financial burden on producers.
Request for emergency support
In a letter sent to the minister on Saturday, the association representing producers said it fully recognised the need for strict measures to safeguard public and animal health.
It said, however, that the measures “has imposed an unbearable financial burden on producers, who are called upon to bear alone the cost of an emergency health situation that directly affects the viability of their units”.
Impact of restrictions
The letter referred to the effects of restrictions on animal movements and the prolonged delay in the availability of lambs and kids on the market, as well as a reduction in their selling price.
The association said this was “an event that further worsens the economic position of producers”.
Producers also reported that even if grazing restrictions are lifted, increased feed costs may be reduced but would not be fully addressed.
Measures requested
The groups requested the immediate granting of extraordinary financial aid for all dairy sheep and goats to cover increased feeding costs while the restrictive measures remain in place.
They also asked for compensation for lambs and kids that remain on farms because of restrictions on movement and trade.
Long-term proposals
In addition, the association called for a comprehensive economic study to record the real impact of the measures on the sheep and goat farming sector.
It also requested the introduction of a permanent mechanism to support producers in cases of animal diseases and emergency health crises.
Warning from producers
“Failure to support producers in a timely manner may lead to serious and irreversible consequences for the sector, with loss of income, abandonment of units and weakening of domestic production,” the association said.