**Farmers Demand More Support from Agriculture Ministry During Minister's Visit**
Farmers raised pressing concerns regarding water distribution and delayed subsidy payments during a visit by Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis to the Strovolos farmers market on Friday. The meeting highlighted ongoing challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly in relation to water resources and financial support.
Minister Senekis addressed the farmers' grievances, noting that this year has seen an improvement in water availability compared to previous years. "We’ve had a better year this year in terms of water resources. We will endeavour to meet the needs of our producers in the immediate future, while ensuring water sufficiency for the coming years," he stated. His comments came in response to farmers who expressed anxiety over potential water shortages and the necessity for increased water supply to agricultural producers.
One farmer, Maria from Xyliatos, shared her personal struggles with water scarcity, recounting her experience with a failed crop of golden apples due to insufficient irrigation. "I had a field of golden apples and they didn’t give me any water. They didn’t bear any fruit. With the little water they gave me, I just managed to save the avocados. I cried so much last year, you can’t imagine," she lamented. Maria also mentioned that she had paid €1,000 for water in the previous year, underscoring the financial burden that water shortages impose on farmers.
Another farmer raised questions about the status of promised subsidies, particularly for the Vyzakia area, which was affected by drought conditions. Minister Senekis assured the farmers that a plan for subsidies is currently being prepared and that relevant requests are under review. He also mentioned that a strategic support plan had been submitted to the Council of Ministers last year, indicating a commitment to addressing the financial challenges faced by farmers.
During his visit, Senekis emphasized the importance of farmers markets in bridging the gap between producers and consumers. He noted that these markets not only provide a platform for local farmers to sell their goods but also help stabilize prices for consumers. "Farmers markets are crucial for ensuring that producers receive fair compensation for their products while offering consumers access to fresh, high-quality produce," he remarked.
Strovolos Mayor Stavros Stavrinides welcomed the minister's visit, highlighting the importance of government support for farmers markets. "This demonstrates practical support for the institution of farmers’ markets," he stated. The mayor also mentioned ongoing efforts by local authorities to modernize and enhance farmers markets, which he believes will benefit both consumers and producers alike. The Strovolos farmers market, relocated to a larger area behind the GSP Stadium in 2019, aims to improve infrastructure and quality based on feedback from both producers and visitors.
Christos Papapetrou, president of Cyprus’ agricultural organizations Pek, praised the Strovolos farmers market as a model for open-air markets across the country. He noted that the market has evolved in line with new legislation to better serve both producers and consumers. "Our common aim is to ensure that consumers have access to high-quality products directly from producers, thereby safeguarding producers’ incomes whilst also ensuring lower prices for consumers, particularly now when they need it most," he said.
The meeting between farmers and Minister Senekis underscores the ongoing dialogue between the agricultural community and government officials, as farmers seek more robust support systems to address their challenges. As discussions continue, the hope remains that the ministry will act swiftly to implement the necessary measures to support the agricultural sector in Cyprus.