Water distribution and delays in subsidy payments were among the main concerns raised by farmers during Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Christos Senekis’ visit to the Strovolos farmers’ market on Friday morning.
Responding to journalists, Senekis said he is expected to respond within the coming days to agricultural organisations’ request for a reassessment of the water distribution plan for farmers.
Government reviewing water needs
Senekis said the visit was part of a nationwide tour aimed at listening to producers and meeting consumers.
He described farmers’ markets as an important institution that brings producers directly into contact with consumers, supporting farmers’ incomes while offering fresh, quality products at lower prices.
He also thanked Strovolos Municipality for its cooperation in operating the market, saying it helps narrow the gap between the price received by producers and the price ultimately paid by consumers.
Asked about the water situation, Senekis said an assessment of the available data is underway.
“We had a better hydrological year this year,” he said, adding that the Ministry would seek to respond to farmers’ needs while ensuring adequate water supplies for the coming years.
He said final announcements regarding the request from agricultural organisations are expected in the coming days.
Water strategy and desalination
Asked about the cancellation of some previously announced desalination projects, Senekis said the country’s strategy for strengthening water reserves is a dynamic process that changes according to needs.
He said the Government has settled on a strategic plan designed to cover 100% of the country’s drinking water needs, while allowing farmers to have priority through the use of dam reserves.
Senekis added that the strategic plan was submitted to the Cabinet on Thursday.
Support for farmers’ markets
The Minister also said the Ministry would soon examine the possibility of supporting producers at farmers’ markets so they can acquire card payment terminals.
He said the Ministry faces significant challenges but has experienced technical staff capable of addressing them.
Consultation with people working on the front line of the primary sector and agricultural organisations, he added, would help shape policies and tools to strengthen the sector, including Cyprus’ positions on the Common Agricultural Policy.
Farmers call for more water
Several producers told the Minister that increased water supplies were urgently needed to protect their crops.
Maria, a producer from Xyliatos, said she had lost her apricot trees because she was not given enough water.
She said the amount of water she received was only enough to save her avocado trees and that she had previously been forced to pay €1,000 for water.
“I have been in the fields since the day I was born. These are the efforts of a lifetime,” she said.
Another producer asked about promised subsidies for the Vyzakia area following last year’s drought and low dam levels.
Senekis said a support scheme was being prepared and that requests were being examined.
Young producer highlights permit delays
George, a young producer from Farmakas, told the Minister that his priority was to build a net greenhouse to protect some of his vegetables from weather conditions.
However, he said he had been waiting for permits since 2022.
He also said he had been forced to change plots and repeat studies after applications were not approved.
“We have small, fragmented plots and face difficulties,” he said, arguing that applications were being assessed as though farmers were working on large, open plains.
Consumers praise convenience but criticise prices
Consumers at the market told the Cyprus News Agency that the Strovolos market was convenient because of its large parking area.
They also praised the variety, quality and service available.
However, one consumer, Loria, said prices had become too high.
“Soon we will not be able to shop,” she said, adding that prices at farmers’ markets were once better than those at supermarkets.
She said she continued to prefer the farmers’ market because it offered more choices.
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