Farmers in the Troodos region are calling for a 30% reduction in electricity costs and an additional €3,000 in annual financial support per farmer as part of nine proposed economic measures to support agriculture and residents of mountainous and semi-mountainous communities.
The demands were submitted by the Agricultural Labour Party in an open letter to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, dated 19 October 2026.
The letter was signed by party president Andreas Christofi, alongside representatives of agricultural organisations, political groups and farming enterprises from Troodos communities.
It outlines the financial pressures facing producers due to rising production and energy costs, adverse weather conditions and low prices for agricultural products.
The signatories warn that these conditions are driving increasing numbers of farmers, particularly younger people, to abandon agriculture.
30% electricity reduction and €3,000 per farmer
Among the main demands is the complete abolition of excise duty on agricultural diesel, as well as heating oil used by households in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas.
The party is also calling for a 30% reduction in electricity prices for all professional farmers in these areas, particularly to ease the cost of operating irrigation systems.
It is seeking an additional annual payment of €3,000 for every professional farmer who permanently resides in a mountainous or semi-mountainous area and can demonstrate active agricultural production.
Fruit growers seek additional subsidies
The proposals place particular emphasis on supporting fruit cultivation and viticulture, including an additional subsidy of 20 cents per kilogram of marketable produce.
The party is also requesting emergency financial assistance of €220 per decare for mountain vineyard growers affected by fungal diseases.
According to the letter, adverse weather conditions, heavy rainfall and increased humidity during the summer and autumn months caused serious damage to this year’s production.
Zero VAT on farming supplies and protection from imports
Further demands include introducing a zero VAT rate on agricultural supplies, particularly fertilisers and plant protection products, and completely exempting water used exclusively for agricultural irrigation from taxation.
The party also calls for better planning of domestic agricultural production and measures to protect Cypriot farmers from unfair competition from imported products.
The letter specifically mentions peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums and pome fruits, calling for measures to support the sale of locally produced crops.
The ninth demand concerns the complete abolition of vehicle road tax for permanent residents of mountainous and semi-mountainous areas, citing long travel distances and limited public transport options.
Government given deadline of 1 December
The Agricultural Labour Party is calling on the government to take concrete decisions to implement the measures no later than 1 December 2026 and to present a binding timetable for proposals requiring legislative changes or European-level arrangements.
Otherwise, it warns that residents of mountainous and semi-mountainous Troodos communities will organise determined, peaceful and lawful protests.
“The countryside cannot be saved with words. It is saved through action. And action requires decisions now,” the letter concludes.
The letter was also copied to the Ministry of Finance, the Commissioner for the Development of Mountain Communities and the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation, and includes signatures from representatives of agricultural organisations and farming enterprises.
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