Newsroom
Cyprus is considering a €610 million overhaul of its livestock industry after the foot-and-mouth disease crisis exposed serious weaknesses in the way farms operate.
Stavros Malas, who heads the scientific committee examining the sector’s recovery, revealed the estimated cost Friday morning during an interview on RIK’s Proino Dromologio.
The proposed program would run for 12 years, from 2027 to 2038, and aims to do far more than simply reopen farms affected by the outbreak.
The goal, Malas said, is to create a healthier livestock model that will allow Cyprus to continue exporting quality halloumi, produce better milk and maintain a reliable supply of meat.
That makes this more than a farming story. Any disruption to local milk and meat production eventually reaches dairies, supermarkets, restaurants and household budgets.
Two reports, one major reset
The scientific committee has submitted two reports to President Nikos Christodoulides.
The first concerns the return to operation of farms hit by foot-and-mouth disease, taking into account their location and the wider farming area.
The second proposes a long-term recovery and reconstruction program for the entire livestock sector.
The outbreak forced the mass culling of animals and caused major losses for farmers and milk producers. It also highlighted problems that cannot be solved simply by replacing the animals and carrying on as before.
Malas said the sector needs to be reorganized quickly, including changes to where farms are located. He argued that Cyprus has large areas where livestock units could operate under a healthier and better-planned system.
He also said those involved now understand that some of the practices followed in the past cannot continue.
Halloumi is part of the equation
One of the biggest concerns is halloumi, Cyprus’ best-known export.
Protected designation of origin status may safeguard the name, but producers still need a steady supply of good-quality Cypriot milk. If farms cannot recover or another outbreak interrupts production, the consequences can spread from the milking shed to factory orders, exports and supermarket shelves.
Stable meat production is another priority. Farming organizations say Cyprus needs to invest more seriously in this part of the industry instead of allowing it to remain in the shadow of halloumi.
The main farming groups have backed the proposed program, calling for stronger disease controls, better animal welfare, environmental protection, improved breeding and greater scientific support for farmers.
Not yet a €610 million cheque
The figure is eye-catching, but the program has not yet been adopted in its final form.
Malas said the study will soon be presented to farming organizations and other groups involved in the sector. The proposals will then be placed in order of priority before implementation begins.
Important questions remain, including how the €610 million would be financed, how much the state would contribute and which measures would come first.
Farmers will also want to know when they can restart operations and whether some will need to move. Taxpayers will want to know what they are being asked to fund, and what Cyprus will receive in return.
The ambition is clear: rebuild the industry so that it is safer, more productive and less vulnerable to another devastating outbreak.
