In 2027, approximately €22 million in European funds are expected to be allocated for the restructuring of vineyards, said on Sunday the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis, speaking at the 14th “In the Footsteps of Tradition” in Statos–Agios Fotios, which focused on Cypriot tradition, agricultural products, and traditional farming practices.
Mr. Senekis noted that the additional support is also linked to the impact of developments in the Middle East, which have further increased production costs.
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The Minister also referred to decisions aimed at addressing the water challenge, noting that during the last meeting of the Council of Ministers, the allocation of additional quantities of water for irrigation was approved.
Under the new allocation, 500,000 cubic meters of water are earmarked for the Paphos Large-Scale Irrigation Project.
Mr. Senekis emphasized that the additional water allocations do not, by themselves, constitute a solution to the water problem, but they do provide immediate support for agricultural production. As he noted, the government is making the most of every opportunity afforded by the available data, adjusting its decisions accordingly.
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Alongside these immediate measures, the Ministry is moving forward, according to the Minister, with long-term planning for a more resilient water system.
For the period 2024–2030, projects totaling over €200 million are being promoted, focusing on desalination, the use of reclaimed water, reducing water losses, and upgrading water networks.
Desalination is a central part of the plan. As Mr. Senekis noted, the Council of Ministers has approved four new permanent desalination plants, with a total capacity of 180,000 cubic meters per day.
The goal, as he explained, is to meet a larger portion of water supply needs from stable sources, independent of rainfall, in order to reduce pressure on the dams and create greater flexibility for agriculture.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of reclaimed water for irrigation, noting that Cyprus is among the leading countries in the European Union, as it uses approximately 90% of the reclaimed water produced for irrigation.
Referring specifically to wine production, Mr. Senekis noted that by 2027, approximately €22 million in European funds is expected to be allocated for the restructuring of vineyards, the restoration of traditional dry-stone walls, the modernization and enhancement of winery tourism, as well as the promotion of Cypriot wines in third countries.
He also noted that the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan for 2023–2027 has a total budget of €454 million, and he expressed satisfaction with the agricultural community’s interest in making use of the available funding instruments.
Statos–Agios Fotios, along with Panagia, Galataria, and Koilinia, is part of the designated geographical area “Vouni Panagia – Ampelitis,” where wine with a Protected Designation of Origin is produced.
The Minister also referred to the LEADER program, noting that €2.8 million has been allocated for the Local Development Strategy of the Paphos Development Agency “Aphrodite,” while initiatives have already been announced to develop agritourism and organize cultural events.
Mr. Senekis noted that the primary sector is facing rising production costs, the effects of climate change, and, above all, a prolonged drought.
As he noted, the government’s goal is to create the conditions that will allow rural residents to remain in their communities, produce, invest, and innovate.
During the festival, the community square was transformed into a space where tradition meets modern life.
Visitors had the opportunity to experience traditional farming practices firsthand and see how products that are part of the region’s culinary heritage are made.
The festival stalls featured local products, including soutzoukos, trahana, tsamarella, zivania, halloumi, anari, and other traditional delicacies, while demonstrations of old farming practices were of particular interest.
The festival also featured a special segment on the revival of the traditional grape harvest and grape treading.
Source: KYPE
