Producers in the Troodos region are calling for immediate and fair state support after extensive damage to their vineyards, warning that the impact could spread across Cyprus’ wine production and traditional food industries.
Footage captured by Sigma showed widespread destruction in vineyards, deepening concerns among grape growers about the future of their crops.
Repeated summer rainfall damages vineyards
Producers said the intense weather conditions had caused damage that spraying treatments could not prevent.
“We could not cope with these intense weather conditions despite the spraying we carried out. It is the first time it has rained so many times during the summer. Vineyards are particularly vulnerable to this kind of problem,” one producer told Sigma.
Growers stressed that vineyards play an important role beyond agriculture. They help protect the countryside by acting as natural firebreaks, while grapes provide the raw material for a range of products that support rural communities and the local economy.
Damage threatens traditional Cypriot products
The consequences could extend well beyond the vineyards, affecting winemaking and traditional products associated with the region.
Oenologist Christodoulos Xenofontos warned that the damaged crop would not produce a usable harvest, with consequences for wine, palouzes, soutzoukos, zivania and Pitsilia cured meats.
“This is useless; we will not produce anything. Wine is affected, as are palouzes, shoushoukos, zivania and Pitsilia cured meats. Cured meats need wine. Without wine, nothing works,” he said.
His comments highlighted the links between grape production and other local industries that depend on it.
Producers call for long-term agricultural plan
Farmer Nikolas Valanidis said compensation and subsidies were important but argued that support should also include long-term planning to safeguard the future of agriculture in Troodos.
“While it is good to receive subsidies and compensation, it is also important to look at broader, long-term plans to ensure the agricultural sector in Troodos remains sustainable for the next 50 years,” he said.
Producers are seeking immediate answers from the Government, which had not publicly responded to their demands at the time of reporting.
They warned that without the necessary support, the consequences for growers, rural communities and the wider economy could be severe.
Also read: Troodos farmers demand 30% power price cut and €3,000 aid
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