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Farmer's Harsh Words After Meeting with Agriculture Ministry - Disputes with Colleagues, Future of Measures

Published March 23, 2026, 16:48
Farmer's Harsh Words After Meeting with Agriculture Ministry - Disputes with Colleagues, Future of Measures

Farmer Christodoulos Christodoulou, after a meeting with the Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed his disappointment with the handling of foot-and-mouth disease. He stated that he will not resist the laws, but that the responsibility for the evolution of the situation is shifting to the European Union. The meeting did not lead to satisfaction of the farmers' demands, with the Ministry insisting on the implementation of European protocols for the total culling of animals. Mr. Christodoulou strongly criticized his fellow farmers, accusing them of listening to political parties and remaining on their farms, thus leading to the spread of the disease. He emphasized that their attitude will inevitably lead to the destruction of their animals. When asked about his anger after the protest, Mr. Christodoulou replied that it remains, but he feels powerless to change the situation. He expressed doubts about his trust in the government authorities, but stated that he will allow the authorities to carry out sampling and vaccinations. Mr. Vasiliou, another farmer who participated in the meeting, stated that discussions on compensation are ongoing and that the priority is to control and eradicate the disease. He emphasized that profit is not their main concern, but the protection of their animals.