Farming groups back proposed 2027-2038 livestock reconstruction programme

Nicosia, Cyprus. Farming organisations have backed a proposed programme for the reconstruction of Cyprus’s livestock sector from 2027 to 2038, presented to President Nikos Christodoulides by the Special Scientific Committee chaired by Stavros Malas.

The government said the committee’s work contained specific medium- and long-term proposals, which will be discussed with relevant bodies before being finalised.

Committee reports

Government Spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis said the president was briefed by the committee during a meeting with Malas at the Presidential Palace.

Letymbiotis said the aim was to rebuild a sector vital to the country. He said the committee’s findings included specific proposals for medium- and long-term action.

On the president’s instructions, the bodies involved will be briefed so that the findings can be presented to all parties concerned, he said. The process is intended to allow an exchange of views before a final version of the proposals is prepared for adoption and implementation.

Malas said he submitted two separate reports to the president. The reports concern the reactivation of affected livestock units by farming area and location, and the reconstruction of the livestock sector following the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, including the proposed 12-year Recovery and Reconstruction Programme for 2027-2038.

Public presentation

Malas said it had been agreed that the committee’s study and proposals would be publicly presented within the coming days, with the participation of relevant bodies and interested parties.

He said the presentation would aim to provide full information and support dialogue on proposals for the recovery, modernisation and long-term reconstruction of Cyprus’s livestock sector.

According to Malas, the public presentation will begin a wider discussion intended to turn the crisis caused by foot-and-mouth disease into an opportunity for reorganisation and the development of a more productive, sustainable and resilient livestock sector.

He thanked the Presidency, scientists, public officials, farmers’ representatives, supply chain representatives and other contributors to the reports. Malas said no committee member or participant received an additional fee or other financial benefit for their participation and contribution.

Farming organisations’ position

The Agricultural Organisations PEK, EKA, Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki and Evroagrotikos said they supported the proposed Reconstruction of Cyprus Livestock 2027-2038 programme submitted by the scientific team under Malas.

The organisations said the foot-and-mouth disease crisis made radical, long-term decisions necessary for the development of livestock farming.

Following the securing of Halloumi’s PDO status, the Republic of Cyprus should proceed with significant investment in sheep, goat and cattle farming, they said.

The groups identified biosecurity, animal welfare, environmental care, genetic improvement and scientific support for producers as initial priorities. They added that the development of organised meat producers and fattening units, an area in which Cyprus currently lags behind, could create growth prospects for the sector.