Takac: Ministry Will Launch Call for Larger Farms in Relation to Foot-and-Mouth

Bratislava, 2 July (TASR) - The Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry will issue a call for larger farms this week in connection with foot-and-mouth disease in order they are able to apply for funding for the purchase of livestock, Agriculture Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) stated on Wednesday following his meeting with President Peter Pellegrini. The minister also reported that all small breeders have already been compensated. The state has also created a reserve in the budget in order to be able to take care of all the needs for the restoration of livestock farms. As regards financial compensation, according to the minister, €40 million has been allocated. However, he doesn't expect this amount to be used and estimates that the call will contain around €20-25 million. Takac added that they are also addressing the issue of rendering plants, specifically the model of expanding the existing rendering plant in Zilina or the issue of mobile rendering plants. The minister emphasised that Slovakia had managed the fight against foot-and-mouth disease very well, with President Peter Pellegrini also praising the handling of the crisis situation. am