Newsroom
Frustration is boiling over among Cyprus’ livestock farmers, who are set to stage another protest in Nicosia on Friday over the government’s handling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, a crisis many farmers say is threatening not only their animals but also their livelihoods.
The demonstration is expected to begin around 11 a.m. near the GSP area before protesters head toward the Presidential Palace, where farmers hope to secure a direct meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides.
For many farmers, the issue has become deeply personal.
Some say they have spent years building up their herds, only to now face the possibility of animals being culled, strict controls being imposed, and uncertainty over whether they will be adequately compensated.
“We expect that the president will accept that we enter the presidential palace to discuss with him,” Stella Petrou, spokesperson for the “Voice of Livestock Breeders,” told the Cyprus News Agency.
According to Petrou, farmers are demanding an immediate stop to the killing of animals linked to the outbreak, a halt to ongoing sampling procedures, and fair compensation for affected breeders.
The protests come as concern continues to spread across the agricultural sector, with many rural communities fearing the longer-term economic impact if the outbreak worsens.
For the average Cypriot, the crisis could eventually hit closer to home than many realize. Livestock farmers warn that disruptions to production could affect the supply chain, potentially leading to higher prices for dairy and meat products already under pressure from inflation and rising operating costs.
Late Thursday, President Christodoulides acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and called for cooperation between all sides.
“Without cooperation, this challenge will not be met,” he said while speaking to journalists during the European Cultural Heritage Awards ceremony.
The president announced a series of meetings scheduled for Tuesday aimed at addressing the crisis. A morning meeting will first take place with the epidemiological team advising the government, followed by talks with agricultural organizations later in the day.
He also said the government remains in contact with livestock farming groups.
Authorities appear to be preparing for a strong turnout at Friday’s protest. Police announced traffic measures and security arrangements in Nicosia to ensure the demonstration proceeds smoothly.
The growing tension highlights the difficult balancing act facing the government: protecting public and animal health while also addressing the fears of farming communities who say they are carrying the burden of the crisis.
For many livestock breeders, however, the issue is no longer just about disease control. It is about survival in an industry that has already struggled in recent years with rising feed prices, drought conditions, and mounting operational costs.
Now, many say they simply want to be heard before more damage is done.
