Businesses in Cyprus will be able to apply for grants covering 80% of eligible costs, up to €20,000 per business, under a new food waste scheme approved by the Cabinet for a pilot programme in 2027.
The scheme, called “Zero Waste to Kitchens”, was proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. It will support restaurants, catering businesses, bakeries and patisseries in reducing food waste and improving their environmental performance.
Pilot scheme to support up to 10 businesses
The pilot is expected to have a budget of €100,000, funded by the Department of Environment. It aims to support around five to 10 businesses during its first cycle.
The amount awarded to each business will depend on the number and type of eligible expenses incurred. The grants will be provided under the EU’s de minimis state aid framework.
The scheme aims to help businesses prevent food and other waste at source while encouraging more sustainable practices across the food sector.
EU targets drive food waste reduction
The initiative is aligned with the European Green Deal and targets set out in the amended Waste Framework Directive, cited as 2025/1892/EC.
The targets require a 10% reduction in food waste from processing and manufacturing by 2030. A joint 30% per capita reduction is also required across retail, restaurants, food services and households.
The scheme is intended to help Cyprus contribute to these goals while supporting the transition towards a circular economy.
Results to determine future of scheme
Authorities will assess the pilot’s results at the end of its first cycle. The scheme may then be adjusted and continued, with annual evaluations expected to inform improvements and possible expansion in subsequent years.
The initiative comes amid wider European efforts to reduce food waste. In 2023, approximately 130kg of food waste per inhabitant was recorded across the EU supply chain, with 18% attributed to restaurants, food services and food retail.
Also read: Food Connect app is now available to reduce food waste in Cyprus
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