The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, stated the relevant minister, Christos Senekis.
At the same time, he announced that on October 8, a broad consultation with the agricultural community will begin regarding the planning of the next phase of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027, noting that women in rural areas will also be invited to participate in the process.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
In his remarks at the event “Women’s Contribution to Rural Areas” in Agros, Mr. Senekis said that the goal is to create the conditions so that women’s knowledge and experience can be transformed into more opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and development in rural areas.
He added that this is not only a matter of equality but also a prerequisite for keeping rural areas vibrant and productive.
Referring to the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027, with a total budget of €454 million, the Minister said that it supports investments, the modernization of farms, and young people who choose to pursue careers in the primary sector. As he noted, more than 1,200 applications were submitted under the recent Major Investment Measure, with the requested amount approaching €200 million, while 267 applications were submitted for the First-Time Farmer Settlement Program.
According to Mr. Senekis, the response indicates that, despite the difficulties, there is a willingness to invest and revitalize the primary sector.
“It is our responsibility to support this momentum and ensure that the opportunities created are accessible to women who want to take the next step,” she said, whether by taking over a farm or developing their own business in rural areas.
She made special mention of LEADER, which she described as an important tool for mountain and rural communities, as it supports initiatives that originate from the local communities themselves. Through the program, he noted, new businesses, jobs, and small-scale projects are supported, while additional points are awarded for women’s participation in activities such as agritourism and home-based crafts, thereby strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas.
Referring to women’s contribution to rural life, the Minister said that throughout history, women have participated in the entire cycle of agricultural activity, from cultivation and harvesting to livestock farming and processing, often without their contribution being recorded as economic activity or receiving the corresponding recognition.
Today, she noted, the role of rural women is taking on a new form and gaining greater visibility, as they are active in the production and processing of goods, organic farming, home-based crafts, agritourism, and new forms of entrepreneurship. “They are producers, entrepreneurs, and creators, with their own initiatives and ideas,” he said.
Mr. Senekis referred specifically to Agro, noting that knowledge and techniques passed down from generation to generation—such as the preparation of spoon sweets and cured meats, the use of roses and the production of rose syrup, have evolved into productive activities, businesses, and products that have transcended the boundaries of the community.
As he noted, the “Sweet Rose of Agros” and “Agros Rose Syrup” have gained European recognition as Protected Geographical Indications, along with “Choiromeri,” Lounza, and Pitsilia Sausage. These products, he added, link quality to origin and give the region a recognizable productive identity, with women having played—and continuing to play—a significant role in this process.
The Minister also said that rural policies can only be effective when they respond to the real needs of the people living in rural areas. In this context, looking ahead to the new CAP period, he noted that the Ministry will listen to those who produce and run businesses in rural areas, as well as to young people and women who have firsthand knowledge of the needs and difficulties of daily life.
In closing, Mr. Senekis congratulated the “Protoporia” Women’s Association for organizing the event and for its contribution to highlighting the role of women. He also thanked every woman in rural Cyprus for her work, knowledge, perseverance, and creativity.
Source: CNA
