The Ministry of Rural Development and Food is proceeding with the payment of compensation totaling €4.2 million to 176 livestock farms for animals that were mandatorily culled as part of measures to combat animal diseases. The payments cover a total of 75,316 animals that were culled due to sheep and goat pox across seven regions of the country and foot-and-mouth disease on the island of Lesbos.
“Greek livestock farming is being severely tested by these epizootics, and it is the state’s obligation to stand firmly by the side of producers. With this 4th compensation payment of €4.2 million, we are supporting 176 livestock farms affected by sheep and goat pox and foot-and-mouth disease,” said Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Athanasios Kavvadas.
According to the Deputy Minister, “supporting the livestock sector and managing crises swiftly are a standing priority of the government. Our goal is to preserve productive activity, protect livestock capital, support farmers’ income, and ensure the long-term viability of Greek animal husbandry. At the same time, we continue to strengthen biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of epizootics and more effectively safeguard the livestock sector.”
When will the funds be credited?
Data processing was completed in cooperation with the relevant regional authorities, and a payment order has already been issued to the Bank of Greece. According to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the funds are expected to be credited to eligible recipients’ accounts within the next one to two business days.
Lesbos: The largest share due to foot-and-mouth disease
The largest portion of the compensation — amounting to €2,840,412 — concerns 73 farms on the island of Lesbos, where 17,285 animals were culled due to foot-and-mouth disease.
Breakdown of compensation for sheep and goat pox
For losses resulting from sheep and goat pox, a total of €1,378,057 has been allocated. This amount covers 103 farms and 58,031 animals across the regions of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Attica, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, South Aegean, and the Peloponnese.
After Lesbos, the highest amount is directed to Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, where 37 farms will receive a combined total of €855,042.10. Central Macedonia is allocated €274,668.40 for 22 farms, while the Peloponnese will receive €93,166 for 12 farms.
Thessaly will receive €75,180.80, Epirus €42,378, Attica €35,228.10, and the South Aegean €2,393.60.
As the ministry notes, it “continues to provide tangible support to livestock farmers affected by animal diseases and is working closely with regional authorities to ensure that compensation payments are made as swiftly as possible.”
