**Govt Aims to Boost Competitiveness and Quality of Cyprus Wines**
In a bid to enhance the competitiveness and quality of Cyprus wines, Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis announced government support for local winegrowers facing challenges such as drought, climate change, and rising production costs. Speaking at the Palouze and Wine Festival in Vasa Koilaniou on Sunday evening, Senekis emphasized the critical role of viticulture in sustaining wine production in rural areas and improving the living conditions of those reliant on this industry.
Senekis outlined the government's strategic plan, which aims to leverage the strengths of Cyprus' wine sector to elevate the quality and competitiveness of local wines. This initiative also seeks to safeguard indigenous grape varieties and preserve traditional vineyard landscapes, which are integral to the island's cultural heritage.
The government's support for the wine sector is part of the broader strategic plan under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023 to 2027. This plan includes financial assistance for winegrowers and winemakers through a series of measures known as EPSA interventions. The European Union is expected to allocate over €22 million in funding to support the region's winegrowers and winemakers by 2027. This funding is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and quality of the wine sector, promoting wines with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, and assisting producers in adapting to evolving agricultural conditions.
In addition to these measures, Senekis announced a new state aid scheme designed to restore abandoned vineyards. He highlighted that revitalizing these lands would not only support viticulture but also contribute to environmental protection by creating natural firebreaks that could mitigate the spread of wildfires. Applications for this restoration scheme will remain open until December 31, 2029. Under this initiative, farmers can receive €1,090 per decare for vineyards restored at altitudes of up to 799 meters, and €1,414 per decare for those above 800 meters.
Senekis acknowledged the myriad challenges faced by farmers, including prolonged drought, climate change, extreme weather events, plant diseases, and escalating production costs. To address these issues, the government is providing support for damages caused by adverse weather through the National Framework for granting state aid. Additionally, the government is closely monitoring water supplies and is actively exploring options to ensure farmers have more reliable access to irrigation water. As part of this effort, additional quantities of water for irrigation have been approved until the end of 2026.
The Agriculture Minister also expressed his satisfaction with the increasing interest in recent Common Agricultural Policy funding schemes. He noted that applications for a significant investment scheme have requested approximately €210 million in subsidies. “This response indicates that, despite the challenges, there is a willingness for investment, modernization, and further development of productive activity,” Senekis stated.
Overall, the government's commitment to supporting the wine sector reflects a broader strategy to bolster the agricultural economy of Cyprus while addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change and economic pressures. With targeted financial assistance and initiatives aimed at revitalizing vineyards, the government hopes to ensure the sustainability and growth of Cyprus' viticulture industry for years to come.