Greek Ministry approves 16.8 million euros for livestock compensation

livestock compensation African Swine Fever Greek agriculture Lesvos livestock crisis income loss subsidies

The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food has approved 16.8 million euros in compensation for livestock farmers to cover income losses caused by sheep and goat scab, African Swine Fever, and classical swine fever. This payment, approved by Minister Margaritis Schoinas, targets 2,806 holdings for the first half of 2026. Total compensation for income loss has reached over 45.3 million euros to date.

In Lesvos, the African Swine Fever crisis has led to significant economic and social unrest. Over 7 million euros have been allocated to support local livestock farmers and cheese producers within five months. This includes 3.5 million euros for animal deaths, 2.6 million euros for 15 dairy businesses, and 1.3 million euros for income replacement. Epidemiological data shows that 81,060 animals have been culled, with 184 outbreaks identified.

The crisis triggered intense protests in Mytilene, where farmers disrupted a North Aegean Regional Council meeting. The unrest led to the resignations of the Vice Regional Governor for the Primary Sector and the Director of the Veterinary Service. In response to the tension, the Council decided to temporarily suspend all animal culls and blood sampling until at least September 6, 2026.

Entities

Athanasios Kavvadas · ELGO-Dimitra · Hellenic National Defence General Staff · Lesvos · Margaritis Schoinas · Ministry of Rural Development and Food · North Aegean Regional Council

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry is providing 1.3 million euros for income replenishment to affected livestock farmers. agronewsbomb.gr · www.agronews.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The first confirmed case of African Swine Fever appeared on March 15, 2026. agronewsbomb.gr · www.agronews.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Rural Development and Food is addressing the consequences of African Swine Fever in Lesvos. agronewsbomb.gr · www.agronews.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] A total of 3.5 million euros has been paid to affected livestock farmers as compensation for livestock deaths. agronewsbomb.gr · www.agronews.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] A total of 35 veterinarians have been deployed to support the island's operational scheme. agronewsbomb.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] 2.6 million euros has been paid to 15 dairy enterprises on Lesvos. agronewsbomb.gr · www.agronews.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Total financial support for livestock farmers and dairy businesses exceeds 7 million euros within a five-month period. agronewsbomb.gr · www.agronews.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] More than 3,200 tons of cheese have been exported from Lesvos following the normalization of product movement. agronewsbomb.gr · www.iefimerida.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Payments to producers will be executed through the Bank of Greece.
[DISPUTED] The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food approved €16,843,162.50 in compensation. tempo24.news · e-ptolemeos.gr
[DISPUTED] Total compensation provided to date amounts to €45,339,637. tempo24.news · e-ptolemeos.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The funds address income loss caused by ovine morbillivirus, small ruminant keratoconjunctivitis, and foot-and-mouth disease. tempo24.news · e-ptolemeos.gr