Cyprus announces €35.6 million support for farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease
On May 7, 2026, Cyprus Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced a €35.6 million support package for livestock farmers affected by a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The measures include increased compensation rates, rising to €420 per sheep or goat and up to €2,500 per head of cattle, which the government claims are 150% to 200% above EU reference levels. Farmers will also receive income loss support for at least 12 months and assistance with restocking high-genetic-value animals. While Minister Panayiotou and Mihalis Lytras of the PEK farmers' organization urged an end to protests to prevent virus transmission, other groups like the 'Voice of Farmers' lead by Neophytos Neophytou plan to escalate demonstrations. Neophytou criticized the mass culling strategy and argued the issue is political rather than merely veterinary. The government stated that direct compensation payments for culled livestock will begin next week, with a dedicated state official assigned to assist each farmer in rebuilding their operations.