Zeybek questions delayed feed support for livestock farmers

İskeçe independent MP Hüseyin Zeybek has criticized the Greek government over the delayed implementation of promised feed support for livestock farmers affected by the financial impact of the small ruminant pox outbreak.

Zeybek said seven months have passed since the government publicly committed to examining support measures for livestock farmers, yet no concrete steps have been taken to provide the promised assistance.

In a parliamentary question submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Zeybek highlighted the additional financial burden faced by livestock farmers as restrictions linked to the outbreak have forced animals to remain in enclosed facilities for extended periods, increasing feed consumption and costs.

Seven months without concrete action
Zeybek referred to a meeting held on February 10, 2026, between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and representatives of the livestock sector.

According to Zeybek, following the meeting, the government expressed its intention to support producers facing higher feed costs and instructed the relevant authorities to examine available mechanisms, including de minimis aid or another compensation scheme.

However, Zeybek argues that seven months later, the necessary implementing decision has still not been published.

He said the joint ministerial decision that would determine the scope of the assistance, eligible beneficiaries, payment amounts and method of payment has yet to be issued, while no relevant regulation has appeared in the official government gazette.

Farmers face growing financial pressure
Zeybek said the restrictions imposed to contain the small ruminant pox outbreak have increased production costs at a time when livestock farmers are already struggling with high operating expenses.

The delay, he argued, has contributed to frustration and growing distrust among livestock producers. He also pointed to criticism from livestock organizations and federations, including the Federation of Livestock Farmers and Livestock Associations of Thessaly.

Zeybek stressed that livestock farming has strategic importance for primary production and food security, calling for the government to clarify whether and when the promised support will be delivered.

Zeybek asks three questions
In his parliamentary intervention, Zeybek asked the government to clarify three main issues.

First, he asked whether the government will provide the de minimis support for feed costs promised following the February 10 meeting with livestock farmers.

Second, he requested details of the total budget, the farmers who will qualify, the eligibility criteria and the amount to be paid to each beneficiary.

Third, he asked why the relevant ministerial decision has still not been published seven months after the government's public commitment and how much longer livestock farmers will have to wait.

The intervention comes as livestock producers continue to deal with the economic consequences of the disease outbreak and the additional costs created by measures introduced to contain its spread.