In 2027, an extensive program comprising at least 65 water supply and irrigation projects—15 of which will be large-scale—will be implemented, said the Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Development, Christos Senekis, during the debate on the Ministry’s 2027 budget before the Parliamentary Committee on Finance.
He added that, as part of this effort, five permanent units with a capacity of 235,000 cubic meters of water per day, as well as five mobile units with a total capacity of 62,000 cubic meters per day, while two additional mobile unit projects are being promoted in Vasiliko and Mazotos.
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He also said that efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease will continue in 2027, with repeat vaccinations of susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs) and by providing substantial support to affected livestock farmers; regarding Akamas, he noted that there is a revised plan with reduced development targets and a smaller environmental footprint.
According to Mr. Senekis, the Ministry’s proposed budget for 2027 amounts to €532 million, an increase of €18.7 million, or approximately 3.5%, compared to 2026, with about 43% of the budget allocated to the water sector.
He added that the Ministry’s total appropriations for 2027 amount to €532 million, an increase of €18.7 million compared to 2026 and €181 million compared to 2023—a 51.6% increase—and of this amount, €433.7 million relates to regular expenditures and €98.3 million to development expenditures; meanwhile, the Ministry’s projected revenue amounts to €275.7 million.
He added that €48 million is earmarked for co-funded projects, bringing the total resources available for implementing the Ministry’s policies to €580 million.
The top priority of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Senekis continued, is a sustainable, competitive, and resilient primary sector, improving the situation of farmers and livestock producers, and making more effective use of technology, research, and innovation.
He added that, in this context, a new financing tool is being promoted to facilitate beneficiaries’ access to liquidity, so that investments can proceed before public aid is disbursed.
According to the Minister, particular importance is placed on supporting livestock farming in the wake of foot-and-mouth disease, with the rebuilding of the livestock population focused on animals of high genetic value, improved reproductive management, and more rational spatial planning for livestock farming.
Support for sheep and goat farming and PDO halloumi also continues, with the aim of creating sustainable operations, increased domestic production, and safeguarding the product’s quality and reliability.
He added that in 2027, efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease will continue, with repeat vaccinations of susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs) and by providing substantial support to affected livestock farmers, while at the same time, implementing the animal welfare framework, supporting animal welfare organizations, and increasing funding for the Pan-Cyprus Stray Cat Sterilization Program.
Regarding water resources, he said that in 2027 an extensive program of at least 65 water supply and irrigation projects will be implemented, 15 of which are large-scale, while at the same time, €158 million is earmarked for the purchase of desalinated water, with a particular focus on further increasing desalination production capacity, as well as on constructing the necessary infrastructure for transporting and integrating the produced water into the water supply systems.
In this context, he noted, five permanent plants (in Paphos, Episkopi, Vasilikos, Larnaca, and Dhekelia) with a capacity of 235,000 cubic meters of water per day, as well as five mobile units (Moni, Kissonerga, Garylli, Limassol Port, and Episkopi) with a total capacity of 62,000 cubic meters per day, while two additional mobile unit projects are being pursued in Vasilikos and Mazotos, which are expected to increase production capacity by at least 20% of the current total production.
He also stated that the implementation of major infrastructure projects is continuing, such as the “Vasilikos–Nicosia” and “Kokkinokremmos” projects, with a total budget of €105 million, the reclaimed water utilization projects in Larnaca and Nicosia, the flood control dams in Aradippou, the replacement of the Choirokoitia–Famagusta pipeline (Phase A), as well as major sewerage projects in the Solea Complex and in Larnaca (Phase C).
He added that, at the same time, work is underway to finalize plans for new desalination projects (Dekelia, East Limassol, Agia Thekla, and Polis Chrysochous) and the necessary supporting infrastructure, with the aim of strengthening water security and increasing the resilience of the water supply system against the impacts of climate change.
Regarding waste management, he stated that efforts are underway to expand the network of reuse centers at “green points,” following the establishment of the first two centers in 2026, the creation of 17 small recycling centers in mountainous and remote areas, the management of hazardous household waste, and the development of a comprehensive waste information system.
The Minister also described the launch of the “Pay-As-You-Throw” system in municipalities and communities, with the initial phase aimed at promoting recycling of recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, aluminum, etc., while at the same time, in 2027, work is scheduled to begin on drafting the new Municipal Waste Management Plan for 2029–2035 and the National Strategy for the Bioeconomy.
Regarding the Akamas National Forest Park, the Minister stated that the implementation of the revised plan is moving forward, with priority given to the protection of sensitive habitats, the effective operation of the Park Ranger Service, the rational management of visitor traffic, and the promotion of necessary projects, while complying with environmental requirements.
Regarding the timely response to forest fires, he stated that 17 initiatives with a total budget of €25.5 million are being implemented over a three-year period, with the measures including, among other things, the use of modern surveillance and early fire detection technologies, as well as strengthening the operational readiness of the Forestry Department, while regarding forest fire prevention, he said that a technological upgrade is planned, including automatic detection systems, mobile operations centers, drones, new software, and an upgrade to the General Operations Center.
In addition, Mr. Senekis noted that, in the context of food security, strategic grain reserves for human consumption, sufficient to cover 45 days’ needs, will be acquired by 2027, in addition to commercial reserves.
She added that the digital transition is expanding to meteorology, veterinary services, and water management, with the creation of improved data and early-warning services, automated inspection systems, and integrated systems for monitoring quality and demand.
In response to questions from the political parties, DISY MP Giorgos Karaiskakis asked about the impact on farmers and livestock breeders of animal diseases and rising fuel and fertilizer prices, calling for a reduction in production costs for farmers.
He also called for fair compensation based on lost income for vineyard owners affected by downy mildew, as well as support for sheep and goat farmers to protect the PDO status of halloumi.
He also asked how the support fund would be allocated and when compensation for livestock farmers would be finalized, as well as what the total amount of CAP funding allocated to agriculture and livestock farming will be.
Also, on behalf of DISY, Michalis Kounounis requested data on the recycled water recovery rate, as well as on shelters for stray cats, Andreas Konstantinou asked when the “Pay-As-You-Fly” plan would be implemented throughout Cyprus, Prodromos Alambritis asked whether there is an active foot-and-mouth disease virus in the country, and Charalambos Petridis asked when desalination plants are expected to ensure an adequate water supply.
In response, Mr. Senekis stated that there are two plans totaling €2.5 billion to provide support against rising fuel costs through February 2027.
Regarding foot-and-mouth disease, he said that no active virus has been detected on any farm, while regarding compensation, he explained that these are tied to the resumption of operations and provide for payment of 50% upon ordering the animals and the remaining 50% upon their arrival at the facilities.
Regarding viticulture, he said that two programs are planned for 80% of the vineyards in Paphos and a plan to cover losses in Larnaca, while a reassessment will be conducted for Pitsilia, with compensation expected within the year.
Regarding the CAP, he said it includes funding of over €300 million for the primary sector, while member states may provide support using national funds.
Regarding stray cats, he noted that the relevant budget allocation has been increased; regarding shelters and stray dogs, he stated that there is an intention to support local authorities, but that there are also practical difficulties in implementation.
He also mentioned that a feasibility study is expected by 2028 for integrated urban waste management.
He also noted that the planning for four permanent desalination plants, which will cover 100% of water supply needs, will be completed in 2030–2031.
Regarding the “Pay-As-You-Fly” system, the Minister said that legally it should take effect on January 1, 2027, but in practice, consultations will be held with local authorities.
On behalf of AKEL, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Giannakis Gabriel, argued that the funds allocated to offset fuel costs are insufficient. He also requested timelines for desalination and water management projects and asked for an update on cases of bluetongue disease.
Also speaking on behalf of AKEL, MP Ephraim Christou commented on the environmental water fee, noting that retroactive billing dating back to 2017 would place a heavy burden on farmers. He also asked what measures are being taken to safeguard the halloumi PDO and combat the illegal use of milk powder, as well as about the status of strategic grain reserves; Nikos Kettiros asked how local communities will be supported under the “Pay-As-You-Fly” program and what will happen with waste management by 2030, while Marina Nikolaou asked how it would be ensured that infrastructure improvements would not impact the environment in Akamas.
In response, Mr. Senekis said regarding the increased production costs that efforts are being made to mitigate the problem and that the search for tools and resources to support farmers will continue.
Regarding the environmental water fee, he noted that some producers have already paid it, while a long-term plan for its gradual repayment is under consideration.
Regarding halloumi, he said that a dialogue will be held with cheese makers and livestock farmers to facilitate mediation and reach a consensual solution, while regarding grain stocks, he said an open tender will be held in 2027.
Regarding Akamas, he said there is a revised plan with reduced development targets and a smaller environmental footprint.
On behalf of ELAM, Sotiris Ioannou asked about the measures being taken against price gouging on agricultural products regarding the price difference between producers and consumers. He also asked how problems arising from the occupied territories are being addressed and whether exemptions from EU protocols have been requested, while noting that 40% of the permanent positions in the Water Development Department are vacant.
His colleague, also an ELAM MP, Andreas Papacharalambous, asked whether an agreement could be reached with the banks to settle the debts of livestock farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease. He also called for further initiatives to promote Komandaria halloumi and zivania internationally, while proposing a pilot program for afternoon farmers’ markets to strengthen the institution.
In addition, ELAM MP Linos Papagiannis asked whether there are plans to transfer the Game and Wildlife Service from the Ministry of the Interior and requested a specific date for the resumption of operations for affected livestock farmers.
In response, the Minister of Agriculture stated regarding the import of products from the occupied territories that the government is considering strengthening controls along the ceasefire line and potentially imposing stricter penalties.
Regarding the exemption of the Republic of Cyprus from European regulations on animal diseases, he said that this is a difficult issue, adding that a joint initiative is underway with Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania to launch a public dialogue aimed at relaxing regulations during times of crisis, which is expected to intensify during the upcoming Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Regarding livestock farmers’ debts, he said that discussions with the Hellenic Bank Association would take place in the near future.
He also expressed the Ministry’s readiness to help support producer groups in promoting Cypriot products internationally, while describing afternoon farmers’ markets as a good idea.
Regarding the relocation of the Game and Fisheries Service, he said that the two ministries would decide jointly, while noting that if the compensation for income loss due to foot-and-mouth disease is insufficient, whatever is necessary will be done to support livestock farmers.
On behalf of DIKO, MP Andreas Apostolou asked about the results of the efforts by the Water Authorities to reduce water losses. He also asked whether new desalination plants are expected, what compensatory projects are planned for the host communities, and whether there are any livestock farmers who may not resume operations.
In response, Mr. Senekis said that there is cooperation among the relevant agencies to reduce losses, and that plans are in place to support the communities by 2027.
He also said that discussions will be held regarding compensatory projects in communities where desalination plants will be installed.
He described the loss of halloumi exports due to foot-and-mouth disease as minimal; of the 121 facilities affected, 57 have stated that they will resume operations, and plans are also in place for those who choose to exit the industry.
On behalf of ALMA, Member of Parliament Litsa Drousiotou asked how much recycled water was made available to farmers in 2026 and how much will be made available in 2027, as well as the absorption rate of CAP funds for 2023–2027, while Odysseas Michaelides asked how many administrative and disciplinary investigations had been conducted regarding Akamas and whether any accountability or measures had been imposed, and regarding the termination of the contract with the contractor, he asked what claims had been filed by both parties. In addition, Irini Charalambidou asked how the collaboration with the Special Scientific Committee for the restructuring and upgrading of the livestock sector is being implemented.
In response, Mr. Senekis stated that the absorption rate of CAP funds for the current programming period has exceeded 52% and will rise significantly, adding that, based on forecasts, Cyprus will be the top-performing country in terms of absorption, with a rate exceeding 99%.
Regarding the scientific committee’s report, he said it paves the way for a more sustainable livestock sector over the next twelve years, with related actions expected in the near future.
Regarding Akamas, the Director General of the General Directorate of the Environment, Costas Konstantinou, said that a disciplinary investigation is underway at the Legal Service, while regarding the claims of both sides, he said that a settlement was reached through the Legal Service.
Dimitris Baros, a member of parliament for Direct Democracy, Dimitris Baros, asked how future situations such as the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak would be prevented, as well as how the worst year for viticulture is being addressed, while his colleague, MP Giannis Laouris, asked what the actual cost of water per cubic meter is.
In response, Mr. Senekis said that to prevent future crises, there are plans for increased inspections, tighter legislation, the maintenance of high biosafety standards, and the implementation of the scientific committee’s study.
Regarding the losses in viticulture, he said they were mainly due to weather conditions, adding that it is the government’s obligation to support growers.
Source: CNA
