Thessaly livestock breeders protest government inaction on disease and subsidies

The Federation of Livestock Breeders and Livestock Associations of Thessaly has issued a statement expressing outrage over the perceived inaction of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food regarding critical agricultural issues. The federation cites the ongoing threat of ovine chamberlaine (scrapie) in sheep and goats, as well as the outbreak of African Swine Fever in Lesvos, as major risks to Greek livestock farming.

Livestock breeders are demanding the immediate implementation of plans to reconstruct herds, noting that thousands of farmers have lost their livestock, income, and productive capacity. They also criticized the government for failing to fulfill a commitment by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding feed subsidies for 2026. The federation warned that delays in administrative processes and payments could cause farmers to lose rights and subsidies as the Christmas period approaches.