Kellas: New Support Programs for Young Farmers and Livestock Breeders on the Way

The need to channel more resources towards supporting young farmers and livestock breeders was highlighted by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kellas, during his intervention in a panel discussion on ‘Livestock Farming: Challenges, Innovations, and Breeds’ at Cantina Academy. This innovative series of conferences organized by Cantina and ‘First Topic’ focuses on ‘Securing the Future of Food,’ held in Larissa. To this end, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food is implementing targeted measures through the Strategic Plan of CAP worth €19 billion until 2027, contributing to the development of livestock farming by attracting young people to production, strengthening remote and disadvantaged areas, and taking measures to support the agricultural community. Mr. Kellas also emphasized the urgent need for education and scientific training for young farmers and livestock breeders, leading to the implementation of a program offering €40,000 subsidies for young farmers. The use of cutting-edge technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence allows for monitoring animal health, detecting diseases, and optimizing their diet. Regarding exports, Mr. Kellas noted that animal products and livestock support are closely linked, as the competitiveness of exportable products directly depends on the state of the domestic livestock sector, which in turn benefits from the growing demand for Greek products, specifically mentioning feta cheese exports to 80 countries. Various funding sources under the SSFAP include €556 million for income-related support in animal production, €12 million for environmental management of livestock systems, €38 million for improving agro-silvopastoral systems, €95 million annually for three years for conversion to organic practices, €235 million annually for maintaining organic farming and livestock methods, €586 million for organic farming, €26.9 million for preserving and improving genetic resources in livestock, €55.2 million for conserving native breeds of farm animals, and €28 million for good animal welfare practices. Compensation for farmers and livestock breeders was also discussed, with Mr. Kellas noting that the past five years have been a period of crisis management. During the pandemic (COVID), livestock breeders were supported with €50 million; with the outbreak of the Ukraine war, they received €140 million; and following the devastating consequences of Daniel and Elias storms, €205 million was allocated. Support continued with compensation payments of €30 million for livestock deaths due to infectious diseases and sheep/goat plague. Additionally, ELGA implemented an ad-hoc program worth €310 million for compensation in livestock and plant production. Livestock breeders can also reconstruct their livestock capital with 100% funding via European measure 5.2, with a total budget of €45 million from national and community funds. Regarding economic de minimis support worth €63 million for feed due to animal confinement caused by disease control measures, Mr. Kellas stated that only the signature of the Ministry of Finance remains for transferring funds to eligible livestock breeders.