Farmers back 2027-2038 plan to rebuild Cyprus livestock sector

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ main farming organisations have backed a proposed programme to rebuild the island’s livestock sector between 2027 and 2038, calling on the government to move quickly towards implementation.

The programme was presented to President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday by a special scientific team headed by Stavros Malas.

Sector investment and reform

In a joint statement, farmers’ organisations Pek, Eka, Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki and Euroagrotikos said the recent foot-and-mouth disease crisis had demonstrated the need for far-reaching decisions and long-term changes in the livestock sector.

Following the registration of halloumi as a protected designation of origin product, Cyprus should proceed with significant investment in sheep and goat farming as well as cattle farming, the organisations said.

Priority measures

The organisations said biosecurity, animal welfare, environmental protection, genetic improvement and scientific support for farmers should be among the first measures introduced under the programme.

They also supported proposals to develop organised meat production and fattening units, an area in which Cyprus currently lags behind.

Call for implementation

The organisations said such investment could create further growth opportunities, generate additional revenue for the Cypriot economy and make livestock farms more sustainable.

They called on the government to study the proposals and proceed immediately with their implementation.