Cyprus calls for EU solidarity to address livestock losses

Cyprus Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Christos Senekis has called for practical European solidarity to address livestock losses and the African swine fever crisis. During an informal meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers in Dublin on September 8, Senekis emphasized the need for resilient livestock farming to support food security and Europe's strategic autonomy.

The discussions focused on the European Strategy for Livestock and the European Protein Plan, with an emphasis on research and innovation. Senekis highlighted that the current swine fever crisis in Cyprus has caused chain reactions affecting livestock, processing, and the broader agricultural economy. He noted that restoring productive capacity requires increased investment in prevention, biosecurity, and crisis preparedness.

Furthermore, the Minister stressed that innovation must be accessible to producers, providing affordable solutions that reduce costs and increase productivity. He pointed out that high initial costs and technical complexity remain significant barriers for smaller agricultural and livestock holdings.