**President Promises €1.5 Million to Support Agricultural Sector**
In a bid to bolster the agricultural sector and enhance food security in Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Monday evening that the government has allocated €1.5 million for two new projects aimed at addressing the rising costs of agricultural oil and fertilizers. The announcement was made during a dinner hosted for the Cyprus Grain Producers Organisation in Aradippou.
President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of strengthening the primary sector, particularly for an island nation like Cyprus, which faces unique challenges due to its geographical location. He noted that recent global crises, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, have underscored the critical need for food safety and a robust agricultural framework.
During his address, the president acknowledged the ongoing grain supply issues this year and reiterated Cyprus's stance against calls from some EU member states for reduced budgets for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). He asserted that the government's priority is to enhance the primary sector, improve the quality of life for producers, and encourage younger generations to engage in agriculture.
Reflecting on past agricultural policies, Christodoulides recalled the controversial advice given to producers in 1990-1991 to uproot their vineyards. He stated that nearly four decades later, the government is focused on reinforcing the sector rather than dismantling it. He expressed gratitude to former agriculture minister Maria Panayiotou for her contributions to the primary sector, particularly in advocating for the needs of producers.
Looking ahead, the president expressed optimism regarding agricultural production in 2026, which he described as showing signs of improvement compared to previous years. This optimism comes after a series of droughts that had adversely affected crop yields. However, he also pointed out that 2026 has been challenged by issues such as foot and mouth disease, climate change, extreme weather events, and the high costs of production—all exacerbated by the geopolitical tensions stemming from the Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East.
In terms of financial support for the agricultural sector, President Christodoulides highlighted that since 2019, the grain sector has contributed €9.5 million, while the government has provided grants totaling €35 million. This includes over €25 million designated for losses incurred in 2024 and 2025 due to drought conditions. Additionally, he mentioned that the European Commission has approved €4.6 million to assist farmers facing rising animal food prices.
To further facilitate farmers' access to funding, the government is working on agreements that are expected to be finalized soon. In September, the Ministry of Agriculture is set to initiate discussions regarding the new Common Agricultural Policy plan that will extend beyond 2027, with the goal of continuing to support producers and fortifying the primary sector.
The president's commitment to the agricultural sector reflects a broader recognition of its vital role in ensuring food security and economic stability in Cyprus. As the government moves forward with these initiatives, it aims to create a more resilient agricultural landscape that can withstand both local and global challenges.