The government is approving an additional €2 million so that all young people who have expressed interest in working in the primary sector will be eligible for the new program, announced President of the Republic Nicos Christodoulides. Speaking at the 10th KOAP Agricultural Culture Festival in Protaras on Saturday evening, the President also said that over €20 million has already been disbursed to address the consequences of foot-and-mouth disease, while €4.6 million has been secured to address the effects of the drought, and a new €1 million plan has been approved to meet the increased needs of the primary sector.
There is strong and growing interest, particularly among the younger generation, in becoming involved in the primary sector, noted President Christodoulides, who assured that the government will support this effort.
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As he specifically stated, “I am aware that the funds allocated under our new plan have been exhausted; an additional 2 million euros is needed so that everyone can benefit, and these 2 million euros will be approved by our government so that all young people who have expressed interest can be beneficiaries.”
The primary sector currently faces many challenges, including the impacts of climate change, the need for a green transition and the protection of natural resources, as well as the demand for safe, high-quality food, he noted.
As he emphasized, “It is our responsibility to turn these challenges—and we can do so—into opportunities for a more modern, competitive, and sustainable primary sector.”
SEE ALSO: “It’s Worth Getting Involved”: Christodoulides’ Message to Young People About the Primary Sector
Referring to the Common Agricultural Policy, President Christodoulides described it as the most essential tool available to the government for strengthening the sector.
“And especially in the case of Cyprus, where the agricultural sector currently accounts for a small percentage of GDP, but whose importance far exceeds its economic contribution to GDP, we must work on the basis of a clear plan and strategy so that we can further strengthen the sector,” he emphasized.
In this context, he noted that the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy plays a decisive role, with funding amounting to €454 million.
The President also referred to the ongoing discussions within the European Union regarding the Common Agricultural Policy, noting that consultations on the new programming period will officially begin on October 8.
He emphasized that the government’s goal is for the agreement reached to meet the needs of the agricultural community.
Regarding the KOA, the President noted that, throughout its 22-year history, it has been responsible for making direct payments to farmers, such as per-hectare and sector-specific financial aid in specific production sectors, as well as the aid provided for under the Common Market Organization Measures.
He noted that the Agency has evolved and modernized its operations and now functions significantly more effectively, in full compliance with the European and national regulatory frameworks, emphasizing that there is zero tolerance on these issues.
President Christodoulides recalled that since its establishment, KOAP has disbursed a total of more than €2.5 billion in subsidies to farmers, while this year, as he noted, the highest absorption rates among all EU member states have been recorded.
He also emphasized that government interventions are not limited to the financial support received from the EU, but that the state must also be present when extraordinary circumstances threaten the production and income of those in the primary sector.
A prime example, he said, “is the recent foot-and-mouth disease crisis, for which more than 20 million euros have been disbursed to date to address its consequences, while at the same time we are working to ensure the safe resumption of operations at the affected livestock farms.”
At the same time, he noted, “To address the effects of last year’s drought, we have secured additional funding of 4.6 million euros to support our farmers.”
Referring to the pressures facing the primary sector due to geopolitical developments, the war in Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East, he noted that these factors are significantly driving up production costs.
As he explained, the increased prices of fuel, fertilizers, and other essential agricultural supplies led the government to immediately implement a €2.5 million plan, while a new €1 million plan was recently approved to address additional needs.
The President stated that the Government’s goal is a primary sector that is more competitive and resilient, with water security, protection and sustainable use of natural resources, adaptation to climate change, and better services for producers and citizens.
In presenting the revised Strategy for the primary sector, he said it covers 11 areas, including modern technological applications, attracting young people to the profession, agricultural education, the creation of better conditions for a fair and stable income, as well as the production and marketing of high-quality products.
In closing, President Christodoulides assured that the Government stands with KOAP and the agricultural community and will do everything possible to support them.
He noted that the Government’s financial capacity is linked, as he stated, to fiscal responsibility, emphasizing that Cyprus, in today’s challenging geopolitical environment, has one of the highest growth rates in Europe, has reduced unemployment to 2008 levels, is rated “A” from all rating agencies, and has a budget surplus.
As he said, all of these resources are being invested in sectors that affect the daily lives of citizens and farmers.
Source: CNA
