Brussels – Slovakia is set to compile a comprehensive damage assessment related to foot-and-mouth disease to submit to the European Commission (EC) for compensation requests. This announcement was made by Richard Takáč, the head of Slovakia’s agricultural department, on Monday during the EU Agriculture Council meeting in Brussels, as reported by TASR.
As of Monday afternoon, Takáč noted that three farms in southern Slovakia were still experiencing outbreaks of the viral disease, which was identified on Friday, March 21. He mentioned that inspections are currently being conducted in the affected regions for farmers and breeders with suspected cases.
Takáč highlighted that discussions within the EU Council regarding this animal disease are scheduled for later that evening at the request of Hungary, which reported its own cases earlier in March.
He stated, “I have arranged a meeting with Agriculture Commissioner Christoph Hansen to discuss our situation and the potential for EU compensation.” He also plans to meet with representatives from the EC’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG Sante) to address veterinary concerns and compensation matters.
According to Takáč, the European Commission has established assistance programs and funds for member states’ farmers during crises such as climate impacts or disease outbreaks, similar to past instances with African swine fever and avian flu. He mentioned that Slovakia could access additional funding from previous programming periods devoted to agriculture and rural development.
“There are numerous options available; it will depend on the European Commission’s willingness to respond flexibly. I remain optimistic they will be accommodating. We are part of a unified space, and this is a concern for several countries. We need to combat it collectively,” he added.
The commission will approve compensation only after a final assessment of the losses incurred by farmers and the national economy. Takáč indicated that the agricultural department currently estimates losses to be around 10 million euros, primarily from culled animals and milk production declines.
“In reality, these losses could total tens of millions of euros and will require compensation. We are already preparing an analysis of all actions we’ve taken alongside ongoing measures, encompassing all damages and costs. This analysis is essential as the Eurocommission will not authorize compensation without it,” the minister clarified.
He also discussed the situation with Marek Výborný, the Czech Minister of Agriculture, in Brussels, inquiring about the steps the Czech Republic is implementing to prevent the disease’s spread. Takáč expressed gratitude to Výborný for dispatching an expert team to assist with the culling of infected livestock and for offering further support. He also acknowledged assistance from Hungary, Austria, the Netherlands, and other EU nations. (March 24)
“In reality, these losses could total tens of millions of euros and will require compensation. We are already preparing an analysis of all actions we’ve taken alongside ongoing measures, encompassing all damages and costs. This analysis is essential as the Eurocommission will not authorize compensation without it.” Richard Takáč
Leave a Reply