The implementation of a comprehensive package worth 168 million euros to address the water crisis, as well as the promotion of initiatives with a total budget of 454 million euros under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), was highlighted by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Dr. Maria Panagiotou, in her remarks at the music and dance evening organized by the Fikardos Community Council.
The Minister of Agriculture noted that support for rural areas is a matter of development, social cohesion, and the future of the region, noting that the government’s goal is for villages to have prospects, for young people to stay and invest in their hometowns, and for farmers to feel that the government stands by them.
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Referring to the challenges facing the primary sector, she made special mention of water scarcity, climate change, and rising production costs, noting that water scarcity is one of the most significant challenges facing agriculture.
As he said, the 168 million euro package is aimed at new infrastructure, reducing water losses, and boosting water production, with three main pillars: enhancing water supply through desalination to free up water from dams for irrigation, maximizing the use of reclaimed water, and modernizing irrigation networks.
Ms. Panayiotou noted that Cyprus currently utilizes 90% of its reclaimed water, a percentage that significantly exceeds the European Union average, covering 37% of Cyprus’s irrigation needs.
She added that the strategic goal is to fully meet water supply needs through desalination plants, so that reservoir reserves can be used exclusively for irrigation.
At the same time, the Minister of Agriculture referred to the implementation of the CAP Strategic Plan, with a total budget of 454 million euros, which —as she said—includes targeted interventions to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the primary sector.
Regarding the recent calls for proposals for the major investment measure and the support program for the initial establishment of new farmers, totaling 67.5 million euros, he said that more than 1,225 applications have already been submitted, with a total requested subsidy of approximately 187.6 million euros, while another 134 applications are currently being prepared, corresponding to an additional requested subsidy of approximately 16.7 million euros, with a submission deadline of July 17.
She spoke of a “particularly encouraging” response from interested parties, noting that grants under the investment measure can reach up to 800,000 euros per farm.
Referring to local development, she emphasized the importance of the LEADER initiative, noting that the Troodos region is served by the Local Action Group “Troodos Region Communities Development Company Ltd,” in which Fikardou also participates, with allocated funds totaling 3.1 million euros.
At the same time, he noted that preparations for the new CAP Strategic Plan beyond 2027 have already begun, noting that significant progress was made in the relevant consultations during Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
As he noted, the goal is to formulate a new plan that will be implemented starting in early 2028 and will meet the needs of the Cypriot countryside and the primary sector.
In conclusion, Ms. Panayiotou assured that the Ministry will continue to support rural communities, emphasizing that strengthening Cypriot agriculture is an investment in food security, regional development, and the country’s future.
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Source: KYPE
