Decisions on foot‑and‑mouth disease vaccines are being taken on a technocratic basis rather than a political one, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou has said, following a heated session of parliament’s Agriculture Committee.
Lawmakers voiced concern about the risk to government‑controlled areas if Turkish Cypriot authorities fail to implement adequate measures. Panayiotou said the issue has already been raised with the European Commissioner.
She added that advance payments to farmers for animal culling will begin next week, with compensation for income loss expected by early April.
Panayiotou reiterated that halloumi remains safe for consumption and that no country has banned imports. The suspension of pork exports will remain in place until May 1.