Livestock breeders' issues once again on Parliament’s agenda
Independent İskeçe MP Burhan Baran has once again brought the issues faced by livestock farmers in the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region to the parliamentary agenda. He specifically addressed the delays in compensation payments for lost livestock and the concerns surrounding farm licensing regulations.
MP Baran criticized the delays in compensating farmers whose small livestock have perished, highlighting the challenges they face in sustaining their businesses.
In a statement from Baran’s political office, the following concerns were outlined:
"Livestock breeders in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace have expressed their dissatisfaction with the prolonged delays in receiving compensation for their lost small livestock. In addition to compensation, they are also seeking financial support for animal feed, as their ability to continue farming is under serious threat.
Furthermore, breeders are deeply concerned about potential tightening of licensing regulations, which could push them into financial distress. In other regions of the country, such as Thessaly, special measures have been implemented to support farmers in rebuilding and reopening their livestock units after natural disasters.
Another critical issue affecting the sector is the operational status of the Exotic Diseases Center in Orestiada (Kumçiftliği). Despite repeated reports highlighting the necessity of this facility, it remains inactive, hindering efforts to prevent and treat diseases such as epizootic outbreaks. Moreover, there have been suggestions for the center to function as an international institution under the supervision of the European Union, facilitating continuous monitoring and epidemic prevention at Europe’s borders, with participation from officials of various countries."
In light of these concerns, the responsible Minister has been asked to address the following questions:
- What is the timeline for compensating small livestock breeders affected by outbreaks? Is there an additional financial support plan for animal feed supply?
- Will the Ministry implement special support measures similar to those applied in Thessaly to assist livestock farmers in the region?
- What is the Ministry’s stance on the breeders' concerns about potential tightening of licensing regulations for livestock farms? Are there plans to simplify or revise the licensing procedures?
- What are the Ministry’s plans for the immediate operation of the Exotic Diseases Center in Orestiada, including staff recruitment? Is the proposal to establish the center as an international organization under EU supervision being considered?
The livestock farming sector in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace remains in a precarious position, awaiting government action to address these pressing concerns.
