Farmers get €43 million for foot and mouth

THE COUNCIL of Ministers yesterday approved a €43 million package for dealing with the foot and mouth disease that has affected Cypriot farming.

The majority of the funding will be given to compensate animal grazers for their loss as a result of the disease’s outbreak last year.

“Some parts of the package cover the various compensations, but not only that. The funding will cover the hiring of temporary staff, but also secondary plans that are part of the main plan. Regarding compensation to farmers, we will provide the amount that was agreed after our discussion with farmers’ organisations,” said Michalis Polynikis, Minister of Agriculture.

The long-awaited package was announced following the prevention measures announced by the permanent veterinarian committee of the EU in November 2008. The EU called for the slaughter of goats and sheep within 18 months to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Our time has been running since the 24 February 2009 and the time constraints are even more limited so we must complete our plan as soon as possible,” Polynikis said.

The Minister also explained that certain criteria will apply regarding the amount of compensation each farmer will receive. “We will apply a scale regarding the age and the breed of the animal i.e. if it is a goat, sheep and so on,”

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