Nicosia: A significant increase in funding for Cyprus' primary sector is envisaged under a new 12-year plan for the reconstruction of the country's livestock sector for 2027-2038, included in the report of the Special Scientific Committee headed by Stavros Malas.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the report, presented publicly on Friday, details a total budget of £610.9 million for the 12-year period, translating to an average annual funding of £50.9 million. This marks a 565% increase compared with 2014-2025, when total public support amounted to £91.5 million, or an average of £7.6 million annually.
The funding shift moves away from direct production subsidies, emergency compensation, and individual investment schemes towards structural interventions such as genetic improvement, relocation and decongestion of livestock units, biosecurity systems, and enhanced productivity per animal.
Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis stated that the report had been submitted to President Nikos Christodoulides and would guide future decisions and interventions. The Government aims to closely collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen Cyprus' livestock sector, making it more modern, resilient, and competitive.
The FMD outbreak exposed systemic weaknesses in the existing livestock model, prompting calls for a different production and spatial-planning approach. The virus spread rapidly due to clustered livestock units, insufficient farm distances, lack of spatial planning, and biosecurity gaps. Malas highlighted the need for decongestion, biosecurity, and spatial planning to address these vulnerabilities.
The outbreak, traced back to Turkey and Israel, affected 121 holdings and led to the slaughter of 84,133 animals, with a compensation total of £17.29 million. The plan's largest component focuses on sheep and goat farming, with £372.225 million allocated to double milk production over 12 years. This restructuring is crucial for Halloumi PDO production, necessitating a significant increase in sheep and goat milk.
For cattle farming, £134 million is earmarked, with funds for new units, upgrades, genetic improvement, and preserving local Cypriot cattle breeds. The plan aims to boost productivity while reducing the animal population.
Proposed horizontal measures include funding for calf and lamb fattening units, fencing, biosecurity systems, animal welfare, and relocation incentives. The new model mandates reference veterinarians and electronic monitoring for livestock units, with approvals restricted to designated zones.
Concerns over further slaughter following suspected cases were addressed, with Cyprus obligated to comply with EU regulations. The plan, expected to be funded through national resources and the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, also highlights the risks from contact across the ceasefire line.