The Government has approved an additional €2 million to ensure that all young people who have expressed an interest in entering the primary sector can benefit from the new support scheme, President Nikos Christodoulides announced.
Speaking at the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation’s (CAPO) 10th Rural Culture Festival in Protaras on Saturday evening, the President also said that more than €20 million has already been paid to address the consequences of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, while €4.6 million has been secured to tackle the effects of drought. A further €1 million scheme has also been approved to address increased needs in the primary sector.
Christodoulides said there is strong and growing interest, particularly among the younger generation, in becoming involved in the primary sector, assuring them that the state would support their efforts.
“I know that the funds under the new scheme have been exhausted and that another €2 million is needed so that everyone can benefit. Our Government is approving these €2 million so that all young people who have expressed an interest will be eligible,” he said.
The primary sector currently faces numerous challenges, including the effects of climate change, the need for a green transition and protection of natural resources, as well as growing demands for safe and high-quality food, he noted.
“Our responsibility is to turn these challenges — and we can do so — into opportunities for a more modern, competitive and sustainable primary sector,” he said.
€454 million under the Common Agricultural Policy
Referring to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Christodoulides described it as the most important tool available to the state for strengthening the sector.
He noted that while agriculture accounts for a relatively small proportion of Cyprus’ GDP, its importance extends far beyond its direct economic contribution.
“We must work on the basis of a clear plan and strategy so that we can further strengthen the sector,” he said.
In this context, he said the CAP Strategic Plan plays a crucial role, with funding amounting to €454 million.
The President also referred to ongoing EU discussions on the Common Agricultural Policy, noting that official consultations for the new programming period begin on October 8.
He stressed that the Government’s objective is to ensure that any agreement reached responds to the needs of the agricultural community.
More than €2.5 billion paid to farmers
Referring to CAPO, Christodoulides said that during its 22 years of operation it has been responsible for providing farmers with direct payments, including area-based and sector-specific financial assistance, as well as support provided through Common Market Organisation measures.
He said the organisation has evolved and modernised its operations and now functions more effectively, while fully complying with European and national regulations.
Since its establishment, CAPO has paid more than €2.5 billion in grants to farmers, while Cyprus this year recorded, according to the President, the highest absorption rates among EU member states.
Christodoulides stressed that state intervention is not limited to financial assistance received from the European Union, saying the Government must also provide support when exceptional circumstances threaten agricultural production and farmers’ incomes.
More than €20 million following foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
As an example, he cited the recent foot-and-mouth disease crisis, saying that more than €20 million has so far been paid to address its consequences.
At the same time, authorities are working towards the safe resumption of operations at affected livestock farms.
The President also said an additional €4.6 million in funding had been secured to support farmers affected by last year’s drought.
Referring to pressures on the primary sector stemming from geopolitical developments, the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, he said these had significantly increased production costs.
Higher prices for fuel, fertilisers and other essential agricultural supplies prompted the Government to immediately introduce a €2.5 million support scheme, while another €1 million scheme was recently approved to address additional needs.
Revised strategy for the primary sector
Christodoulides said the Government’s objective is to develop a more competitive and resilient primary sector, with greater water security, sustainable management and protection of natural resources, adaptation to climate change and improved services for both producers and citizens.
Presenting the revised strategy for the primary sector, he said it covers 11 areas, including modern technological applications, attracting young people to farming, agricultural education, creating better conditions for fair and stable incomes, and producing and marketing high-quality products.
Concluding, Christodoulides assured CAPO and the agricultural community that the Government would continue doing everything possible to support them.
He said the Government’s ability to provide financial support is linked to responsible economic management, noting that Cyprus currently has one of Europe’s highest growth rates, unemployment has fallen to levels last seen in 2008, the country holds an “A” category rating from all major credit rating agencies and maintains a fiscal surplus.
These resources, he said, are being invested in areas that directly affect the daily lives of citizens and farmers.
Source: CNA
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