The government has announced a comprehensive support package for livestock farmers affected by the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease crisis, including compensation, income support and measures aimed at rebuilding the country’s livestock sector.
Speaking at the start of the Cabinet meeting, President Nikos Christodoulides said the government’s response focuses on full compensation for those affected, restoration of income and the gradual reactivation of livestock production.
The measures were presented to the Council of Ministers as authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak and stabilise the agricultural sector.
Compensation measures and immediate financial support
The government announced that compensation payments will be provided for fodder and livestock products, with the measures expected to begin immediately.
Farmers who have suffered loss of income due to the crisis will also receive financial support for 12 months.
According to the plan, the amount of support will be calculated individually for each farmer. Authorities will take into account actual income data, tax declarations and milk delivery records in order to determine the level of assistance.
Livestock replacement and veterinary costs covered
As part of the recovery effort, the government will proceed with the direct purchase of animals to help farmers rebuild their herds.
Livestock will be sourced both from abroad and from domestic farms that remain unaffected.
Authorities also confirmed that the state will cover the cost of veterinary tests and vaccinations required as part of the disease control and recovery process.
Additional support measures for the livestock sector
Several additional measures were approved by the Council of Ministers to support the wider livestock industry.
These include support for livestock farmers affected by grazing bans, exemption from rents and fees for 2026 related to livestock plots located on state land and Turkish Cypriot properties, an investment scheme for upgrading livestock units that have been affected by the outbreak, and support measures for farmers inside infected zones who were not directly affected by the disease but suffered commercial losses due to restrictions.
Scientific committee established to strengthen the livestock sector
The government also announced the creation of a scientific committee tasked with upgrading and modernising the livestock sector following the crisis.
The committee will be led by geneticist and academic Stavros Malas, who has been appointed as head of the expert team.
The group is expected to provide scientific guidance for managing the current outbreak and developing long-term strategies to strengthen Cyprus’ livestock production system.
The government says the combined measures aim not only to support affected farmers in the short term but also to restore stability and resilience in the livestock sector as the country works to overcome the impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.