The government on Thursday unveiled its strategy for the agricultural sector aimed at sustainable development, innovation, and economic resilience.
The new strategy was presented by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou.
“It is not just an initiative, but a roadmap reflecting our vision for the future of Cypriot agriculture,” the minister told a press conference.
The strategy, which includes 11 key actions with a budget of €109.3 million, covers the period 2024 to 2028. It was approved by the cabinet earlier this month.
“Our aim is to establish a new model for the primary sector, ensuring sustainable production, economic support, and access to new technologies,” Panayiotou said.
She noted that the government is committed to providing substantial tools and support to farmers, moving beyond ad hoc measures to a robust, growth-oriented approach.
The new strategy aims to increase the contribution of the agricultural sector to Cyprus’ GDP, which currently stands at 1.8 per cent. It will focus on expanding the sector’s capabilities while promoting sustainability and resilience.
“We want to ensure the needs of the domestic market are met while promoting Cypriot products to new international markets,” Panayiotou added.
Key elements of the strategy include boosting the professional farming sector through priority measures, water management interventions to combat drought, and the adoption of smart farming technologies. The strategy will also address market gaps by supporting the use of untapped agricultural land and promoting cooperation among producer groups.
Panayiotou emphasised that the new strategy would support the long-term competitiveness of Cyprus’ agricultural sector, focusing on high-quality, affordable products for consumers and fair incomes for farmers.
The actions will be funded through the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as well as national resources. The University of Cyprus’ Economic Research Centre has been tasked with evaluating its overall impact on the economy.
The 11 actions cover areas such as ‘green competitiveness’, livestock sector support, new financing tools for agriculture, quality certification for Cypriot products, and risk management in agricultural production.
“This strategy comes at a crucial time for Cypriot agriculture, giving it the momentum to develop and increase its contribution to the country’s economy,” the minister stated.
