Gov’t announces €63 million support package for sheep and goat farmers

The Greek government announced on Monday a €63 million financial support package for sheep and goat breeders who have been affected by recent outbreaks of animal diseases and the rising cost of animal feed.

The measure, described as de minimis state aid, was formalised through a joint ministerial decision signed by Minister of Rural Development and Food Kostas Tsiaras and Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Athanasios Petralias.

According to AMNA, the aid package specifically addresses the impact of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) – also known as small-ruminant plague – and sheep pox, which led to livestock movement restrictions across several regions in 2024 and 2025.

Eligible farmers must have delivered milk to processing facilities in 2024, registered their animals on the national veterinary database, and submitted the necessary support applications. Farmers on islands without milk processing plants are also eligible, provided they have completed animal registration.

The financial aid applies to adult female animals, with compensation ranging from €6 to €14 per animal depending on the region.

The payouts and eligibility inspections will be managed by OPEKEPE, the Greek agency responsible for administering EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies. The agency will notify eligible producers directly.