Resources from the existing European programs will be utilized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, to formulate measures to address the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on farmers, as the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Kos told KYPE.
As he said, in a letter to the Ministry, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, sets the framework within which farmers can receive further support. The measures, he said, will come from a redistribution of available resources and the European Commission is given the flexibility to channel rural development program resources into measures to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
Mr. Kadis said that the intention of the Ministry is to move in this direction. In a meeting with his associates, the Minister of Agriculture instructed to prepare proposals that will utilize resources of existing programs to formulate measures to support the rural world, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The proposal for these measures is expected to be ready immediately after Easter.
The Minister said that he informed the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture via video conference this morning about the measures to alleviate farmers, stockbreeders and fishermen.
The Minister also informed the Commission that it is proceeding with the payment of compensation to farmers for the losses of the previous period amounting to 11,2 million euros. The payment of the compensations in the accounts of the beneficiaries is expected until April 14.
At the same time, the Minister presented the bill for the regulation of alternative methods of slaughter related to worship processes (kosher, halal) as an emergency measure, which will allow the export of meat to Israel. Mr. Kadis expressed the assessment that the bill is supported by the majority of parties, except the Environmental Movement. He also said that some parties have asked for such a measure to be made permanent, however he clarified that the position of the Ministry is that this measure should be temporary until the end of the year.
The Minister also said that he had informed the Commission about the problem facing the agricultural sector in terms of foreign labor. Due to the prevailing situation, he said, there is no possibility for foreign workers to come. Thus, in cooperation with the Ministers of Labor and Interior, the Ministry of Agriculture will move in two directions. The first direction concerns the extension of the stay in Cyprus of the workers who came for eight months for another 3-4 months and the second the utilization of political asylum seekers. Arrangements in this area are expected to be announced soon, he said.
Source: KYPE