Support program for livestock Farmers in Eastern Macedonia–Thrace expanded: Protests canceled
The Ministry of Rural Development and Food has announced that it is expanding its support program for small livestock farmers affected by animal diseases. As a result, many farmers in the Eastern Macedonia–Thrace (EMT) region, who were excluded from the initial decision published in the Government Gazette on August 1, are now included.
Under the amendment, farmers who lost livestock in the second half of last year or whose herds were culled after July 2024 will now be eligible for feed subsidies. Payments will be calculated in proportion to the length of time the animals remained alive under quarantine.
EMT REGION TO RECEIVE HIGHEST SUPPORT RATE
The previously announced subsidy rates remain in effect, ranging from €4 to €14 per animal depending on the region. EMT regional units are in the highest support category, receiving €14 per animal.
PLANNED PROTEST IN GÜMÜLCİNE CANCELED
Following the announcement, livestock associations in the region — who had planned a protest in Gümülcine on Monday, August 18, to demand inclusion in the program — decided to cancel the demonstration.
Coordination Committee spokesperson Nikos Dimopoulos told ERT Orestiada:
“We welcome the ministry’s amendment, but our problems go beyond feed subsidies. Our demands are much broader, and we reserve our position for the future.”
