The Cabinet has approved a €35.6 million compensation and support package for livestock farmers hit by the foot‑and‑mouth outbreak, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said Wednesday.
Panayiotou said the compensation rates were agreed in consultation with farming organizations and sector representatives through the Special Advisory Committee.
Payments will cover animals culled due to the disease, ranging from €47 to €420 per goat or sheep, €150 to €2,500 per head of cattle, and €35 to €5,000 per pig. She said the amounts exceed the European Union average and will be paid without requiring farmers to submit receipts.
The government also endorsed a set of long‑term support measures, including at least 12 months of income‑loss coverage for farmers who return to production, and a restocking plan using animals of high genetic value.
The state will additionally cover feed costs for new animals until they begin generating income, and each farmer will be assigned a government officer to provide individualized support.