Water distribution and delays in subsidy payments were the complaints raised by farmers to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Environment, Christos Senekis, during his visit to the Strovolos Farmers’ Market on Friday morning.
Responding to questions from reporters, the Minister said that his response to the farmers’ organizations regarding their request for a reassessment of the water distribution plan for farmers is expected within the next few days.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
In his remarks, the Minister noted that the visit is part of a pan-Cypriot tour “to listen to producers and meet with consumers. We consider the Farmers’ Market to be extremely important because it brings our producers into direct contact with consumers, boosting producers’ incomes while simultaneously offering high-quality, fresh products to consumers at lower prices.”
The Minister thanked the Municipality of Strovolos “for its excellent cooperation in operating this market,” which, as he said, “helps narrow the gap between the price received by the producer and the price ultimately paid by the consumer.”
Furthermore, in response to a reporter’s question, he said that the Ministry will examine in the very near future the possibility of supporting producers at farmers’ markets so they can be equipped with card-accepting terminals.
When asked about the status of the assessment of the water situation, the Minister replied that “this assessment of the data is underway. We had a better year this year in terms of hydrology. We will strive to meet the needs of our producers in the immediate future, while ensuring water sufficiency for the coming years.” Responding to a question about when a response to the agricultural organizations is expected, he said, “Our final announcements will be made in the coming days.”
Responding to another question regarding the reasons for canceling certain desalination projects that had been announced, Mr. Senekis said that formulating the strategy to bolster the country’s water reserves is a dynamic process that is shaped according to needs. “We believe we have arrived at a strategic plan that will cover 100% of the country’s water supply needs, so that, with the reserves from the dams, farmers are given top priority.”
When asked to comment on the challenges facing the Ministry following his appointment, he said, “There are significant challenges. The Ministry is staffed by distinguished technocrats, and together we can address the challenges before us.” He added that, through consultation with those on the front lines of the primary sector and agricultural organizations, we will develop the tools and policies that will truly strengthen the primary sector, including by shaping our positions on the Common Agricultural Policy.”
For his part, the Mayor of Strovolos, Stavros Stavrinidis, welcomed the Minister, noting that he had responded immediately to the invitation. “This demonstrates practical support for the institution of farmers’ markets,” he said, describing the institution as a success.
“We, too, as local authorities, must further upgrade and modernize this institution, because it benefits both consumers and our farmers,” he said.
He expressed pride in this particular farmers’ market, noting that it was relocated to this location (behind the new GSP) in 2019, where there is ample parking and consumers can do their shopping in “comfortable and spacious aisles.”
“We listen to the requests of both producers and visitors every day. We stand by them and strive to improve both the infrastructure and the quality as much as we can. Producers support agriculture, and we support the producers,” he said.
“The Municipality of Strovolos will continue to improve this initiative, and we would like to see more active support from the government. I hope that upon taking office, the new minister will take such initiatives so that we can achieve the best possible outcome,” he noted.
The President of PEK, Christos Papapetrou, stated that this particular farmers’ market in Strovolos, “is one of the farmers’ markets across Cyprus that has evolved and been reorganized in accordance with the new legislation. Our common goal is to ensure that consumers have access to high-quality products directly from producers, thereby producers’ income as well as lower prices for consumers, especially now when they need it most.”
They are asking for water to save their crops
Many farmers with whom the Minister spoke strongly raised the issue of water and the need to increase the supply to farmers.
Ms. Maria from Xyliatos told the Minister, “I had a field of golden apples, and they didn’t give me any water. They didn’t bear fruit. With the little water they gave me, I barely managed to save the avocados. I cried so much last year—you can’t even imagine,” she said, noting to CNA that last year she had to pay €1,000 for water. “I’ve been working in the fields since the day I was born. It’s the work of a lifetime,” he said.
“They told us last year that they would give us a subsidy for the Vyzakia area because of the drought, since the dam was empty,” said another farmer, asking the Minister where the issue stood. The Minister replied that a plan was in the works and instructed officials to note that the requests were being reviewed. “Last year you left us at the mercy of God. What about this year?” he asked.
Mr. Senekis stated that this year they will try to respond, as “we had a better hydrological year.” When asked whether there is a plan for the future, the Minister said that the strategic plan was submitted yesterday to the Cabinet.
Mr. Giorgos, a new grower in Farmaka, said that his priority was to build a net house to protect some of his vegetables from the weather. “I’m still waiting for the permits and have been struggling with this since 2022,” he noted, adding that “they said they would help young people.” He also mentioned that he had to revise two sections of his application and redo the studies after his initial applications were rejected. “They’re reviewing the paperwork as if we were in the plains. Our land is fragmented; we face difficulties,” he said.
The market is convenient, with a wide variety and high quality, but prices are high
Consumers shopping at the farmers’ market told CNA that this particular market is very convenient because it has ample parking. “Here we find the best quality and service every Friday,” they said.
However, Ms. Loria told CNA that “soon we won’t be able to shop here. Everything is very expensive.” When asked if the prices are better than at the supermarket, she said, “They used to be.” Explaining why she prefers the farmers’ market, she said she has more choices here.
READ ALSO: 278 Potentially Dangerous Buildings Under Scrutiny by the Larnaca EOA | AlphaNews
