THE EUROPEAN Commission’s directive for all member states to eradicate scrapie within 18 months “certainly doesn’t satisfy us completely”, the Agriculture Minister said yesterday.
Speaking after a parliamentary examination of his ministry’s budget, Michalis Polynikis said Cyprus’ dissatisfaction had been openly expressed when it abstained during the relevant vote.
“But I would like to add that despite the fact that we are not especially satisfied with the timeframe we have been given to cull the animals, a very positive element is preventing the embargo that was being planned, at least on milk and dairy products,” said the minister.
“We will be ready very soon to start planning within the framework of the European Commission’s provisions, with the aim of achieving the fewest possible consequences of this mass culling,” Polynikis added.
The minister admitted there would be problems in replacing the dead goats within 18 months, “which is why we asked for more time so they can be replaced naturally”.
The issue of compensation, he added, was still open. “Apart from the views of the European Commission, we are trying to increase these funds,” said Polynikis.
He concluded that the government would fight for the best possible compensation, which will not end in just replacing the animals, but also take into consideration lost profits.
Meanwhile, presenting his ministry’s budget to the House Finance Committee, Polynikis said there would be a 32.4 per cent increase compared to last year – reaching €262.07 million – and this is mainly due to increased expenses to deal with the water shortage.
“The largest chunk of this budget will be given to the Water Development Department and this is due to the extra measures that need to be taken in order to deal with the water problem, such as buying water, maintaining desalinations plants, substructure works and much more,” Polynikis explained.
Water reserves, he added, were tragically low.
The ministry’s budget also includes among others the promotion of the Agricultural Development Programme 2007-2013, various environmental plans, upgrading agricultural research, reinforcing the Veterinary Services and implementing the Fishery Development Programme.
