The allocation of €4.6 million allocated by the European Union to support farmers affected by the prolonged drought of 2025. Speaking on the “Alpha Kalimera” program, the Secretary General of Euroagrotiko, Lambros Achilleos, denounced the unfair treatment of mountain farmers, warning of strong reactions if the decisions are not corrected.
As he noted, the sum of €4.6 million was allocated to two categories of farmers, without taking into account other sectors of the agricultural economy that were affected by the drought. “We could have used our own resources, since the European Commission allowed it, to double or triple the amount we were given and cover other sectors of the rural economy, particularly those in mountainous areas,” he noted, questioning why these specific areas—on which water storage in the dams largely depends—were not included.
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At the same time, he expressed his disagreement with the fertilizer subsidy measure, arguing that it excludes approximately 85% of farmers in mountainous areas, as they are not considered professional farmers. “We believe it defies all logic to exclude mountain farmers from the €4.6 million, and at the same time, the announcement of the fertilizer subsidy measure has been made, which specifically excludes 85% of mountain farmers who are non-professionals,” he said, emphasizing that these producers also bear the costs of cultivation.
Explaining the importance of non-professional farmers to rural areas, Mr. Achilleos noted that they are largely low-income retirees who continue to farm their land to supplement their pension or family income. He specifically mentioned retirees who receive €400 or €500 per month, noting that farming provides them with significant financial support. He clarified, however, that he is not asking for equal treatment with professional farmers in terms of the amounts, but rather for the provision of support commensurate with the needs of non-professionals as well.
Referring to the fertilizer subsidy, he warned that the 15% cost coverage could be wiped out by potential increases in retail prices, citing a 20% increase as an example. Instead of this specific procedure, he proposed direct payments to farmers, based on per-hectare subsidies and data available from the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organization (KOAP), so that they themselves can manage their production costs.
Finally, the Secretary General of Euroagrotic also referred to the announcements regarding the simplification of procedures for installing hail protection systems, noting that the simplifications mainly concern areas with road access, while elsewhere the same complex procedures remain in place. He warned that, if the government does not reconsider its decisions, organized farmers in mountainous areas will take action. “We will react strongly, just as we would if this were happening in Kokkinochoria or Athenou,” he emphasized.
