Goat and sheep farmers in Cyprus are calling for immediate emergency financial support for all dairy-producing animals, citing rising feed costs linked to measures to prevent and control foot-and-mouth disease.
The producers warn of potentially irreversible consequences for the agricultural economy and for halloumi PDO production, saying the sector is under severe strain.
In a letter sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, the Union of Goat and Sheep Farmers’ Producer Groups urged state intervention, describing what it called a critical situation for the sector.
They said many livestock farms are facing increased obligations, reduced income and uncertainty over their ability to continue production.
While acknowledging that disease prevention and control measures are necessary for public and animal health, farmers said the restrictions have created a heavy financial burden on farms.
They said the biggest impact stems from limits on animal movements, which have delayed the sale of lambs and kids and led to a build-up of animals on farms.
This has resulted in higher production costs due to increased feed consumption, additional labour hours and other operational expenses, they said.
Union president Sotiris Kadis said revenues had not increased in parallel and that prices for lambs and kids had in fact fallen, further worsening the financial position of producers.
Farmers also pointed to increased biosecurity measures, including grazing bans and intensified daily supervision and use of disinfectants, which they said have further raised operating costs.
They warned that even if grazing restrictions are lifted, high summer temperatures will keep feed costs elevated due to limited natural grazing.
The producers said goat and sheep farming is a strategic sector for Cyprus’ rural economy and for food supply in milk and meat, warning that delays in support could lead to loss of income, farm closures and reduced domestic production.
They also said any decline in livestock numbers would have a direct impact on halloumi PDO production, exports and international market presence.
The farmers have submitted six requests, including emergency aid for dairy animals, subsidies for feed costs, compensation for animals stuck on farms, support for private storage of lamb and kid meat, a full economic impact study, and a permanent support mechanism for future animal disease crises.
