Özgür Ferhat calls for additional support for livestock farmers affected by animal diseases

Rhodope MP Özgür Ferhat has called on the Greek government to provide additional financial support and introduce a comprehensive recovery plan for livestock farmers who have been forced to cull animals and halt production because of animal diseases.

In a parliamentary question submitted to the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Ferhat said the animal diseases reported across Greece in recent months have caused serious economic losses, particularly for livestock farming businesses.

Compensation fails to cover farmers’ losses
Ferhat highlighted the situation in Rodopi, where numerous livestock farmers have been forced to suspend production following mandatory animal culls.

According to Ferhat, existing compensation payments do not adequately cover the income losses suffered by farmers, leaving affected businesses facing significant financial pressure.

He argued that compensation for culled animals alone is insufficient to address the wider economic consequences of the crisis, particularly for farmers who have lost their ability to continue production.

Call for support to restart production
Ferhat also stressed that rebuilding livestock herds is a lengthy and costly process. He called for additional financial assistance to help affected farmers restore their livestock and return to production.

In his parliamentary question, Ferhat asked the ministry whether new support mechanisms would be introduced alongside existing compensation schemes and called for clarification on the roadmap for helping affected livestock businesses resume operations.

Livestock sector vital for rural economy
Ferhat emphasized the importance of maintaining the livestock sector not only for individual farmers but also for the wider rural economy.

“The livestock sector must remain viable, our producers must be able to return to production, and the state must implement stronger support mechanisms to strengthen the rural economy,” Ferhat said.

His call comes as livestock farmers affected by animal disease outbreaks continue to face the combined challenges of compulsory culling, lost production and the high cost of rebuilding their herds.