803 livestock farms in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace to receive €5.02 million in compensation
The support package, prepared by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, amounts to €5,022,220 for the region and covers approximately 162,713 animals.
The allocation represents a significant share of the compensation approved nationwide for income losses recorded during the first half of 2026.
€16.84 million approved nationwide
Across Greece, a total of €16,843,162.50 has been approved for 2,806 livestock farms affected by income losses during the first six months of 2026, following a decision by Rural Development and Food Minister Margaritis Shinas.
The compensation covers livestock farmers affected by outbreaks of sheep and goat pox, peste des petits ruminants (PPR), and foot-and-mouth disease.
Payments will be calculated based on income losses recorded through the end of June 2026.
Support for farmers forced to cull animals
The compensation program goes beyond covering the value of animals that were culled.
It is also designed to compensate farmers for income losses resulting from reduced herd sizes and lower production capacity after animals were culled as part of disease-control measures.
The government says the support is intended to help affected farms recover their production capacity and maintain the economic sustainability of the livestock sector.
Total compensation reaches €45.3 million
The latest package follows €28.50 million in compensation payments approved in December 2025 for 2,339 livestock farms that suffered income losses during that year.
With the latest payments, total compensation provided by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for livestock farmers’ income losses has reached approximately €45.34 million.
A further compensation package covering the second half of 2026 is also planned.
Minister pledges continued support
Rural Development and Food Minister Margaritis Shinas said that behind every loss of livestock is a farmer who has lost a significant part of their work and income.
Following compensation for culled animals, the government has also begun addressing the income losses suffered by farmers affected by animal disease outbreaks, he said.
Shinas pledged that support would continue, with the government’s goal being to restore production and create safer conditions for Greece’s livestock sector.
For livestock farmers in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the €5.02 million allocation comes as the economic impact of animal disease outbreaks continues to affect the region.
