Applications for the small livestock breeding programme in Northern Cyprus are open until 19 December

The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the TRNC has announced the acceptance of new applications in Northern Cyprus under the “Expansion of Small Ruminant Breeding” programme, implemented in cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA). The deadline is the end of the working day on 19 December.

According to the commission’s assessment, selected applicants will receive either 20 sheep and 2 rams or 20 goats and 2 bucks. After the evaluation, a draw will be held in the presence of a notary. Applications must be submitted to the Livestock Departments.

Requirements: TRNC citizenship; age 18–45; preferably no livestock of one’s own or no more than 20 breeding small ruminants held by the applicant and their household; no household members receiving a salary from the budget or falling under a ban on secondary employment; availability of an appropriate shelter and agreement with the Ministry’s standard undertaking. Existing livestock breeders must have a disease-free farm status.

Required documents: a copy of the ID card; proof of ownership of the facility/area for keeping animals; a suitability certificate for the enclosure issued by the municipality; if available, a certificate from agricultural insurance regarding cultivated land; proof of registration in the animal registration system and the number of animals; for livestock owners — membership in the Livestock Breeders’ Union; the latest paid electricity and water bills (if applicable); a household list certified by the mukhtar with names, degrees of kinship and dates of birth.

Previously recognised eligible applicants may participate in the current distribution if they still meet the conditions. Since 2021, a total of 837 animals have been distributed to 40 participants under the project. The animals received cannot be sold or transferred for 3 years; during this period, at least 20 females and 3 males aged 6 months or older will be taken from the offspring for further distribution.