Dialogos

Livestock Farmers in Occupied Territories Warn of Critical Barley Shortage

Published February 17, 2026, 12:04
Livestock Farmers in Occupied Territories Warn of Critical Barley Shortage

Turkish Cypriot livestock farmers are expressing serious concern over the critical shortage of barley in the occupied territories, which threatens the viability of their units. Grain warehouses remain closed, putting animals at immediate risk of starvation. The farmers accuse the “Minister of Agriculture” and the “government” in the occupied territories of indifference and ineffectiveness, while pointing out that the warehouses are empty despite price increases. They express the need to procure barley from the free areas of Cyprus, requesting permission to import materials from the south, warning that the animals will die if a solution is not found. In addition, they report irregularities in the import of sheep and the management of subsidies, claiming that there are attempts to prevent payments to the beneficiaries. The livestock farmers' association is planning a protest outside the “Ministry of Agriculture”.