MP Ferhat condemns inequality in animal feed support
Özgür Ferhat, Member of Parliament from the Rodopi New Left party, has raised concerns in parliament over discriminatory treatment toward local livestock farmers in the region. Ferhat sharply criticized the government and called for immediate action to address the unfairness.
Recently, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Christos Kellas announced that livestock producers in the Meriç district would receive a support payment of 8 euros per animal. However, producers in the Rodopi region, who have been equally affected by recent outbreaks, were excluded from this aid—prompting widespread backlash.
In a parliamentary question submitted to the Ministers of Agriculture and Food, Economy and Finance, and Labor and Social Security, MP Ferhat highlighted the following facts:
- Since the outbreak, 63 separate sheep pox infection sites have been identified in Rodopi.
- More than 19,000 animals were forcibly culled across 63 farms.
- A quarantine has been in effect since August 2023.
- No feed support or aid for rebuilding herds has been provided.
Ferhat stated, “The livestock farmers of Rodopi are not second-class citizens of this country. The government must protect these people fairly and equally.” He urged the state to take swift measures to support affected farmers.
In his parliamentary question, Ferhat called for:
- Equal distribution of the 8-euro per animal feed support extended to Meriç producers, to be granted also to those in Rodopi.
- Special measures for the restocking of animals.
- Postponement or restructuring of bank and tax debts for affected producers.
- Temporary suspension or deferral of social security (EFKA) premium payments.
The Rodopi farming community awaits government response as pressure mounts for equitable treatment.
