While a scheme is already in effect providing a total of €1 million in support to eligible farmers who applied, to cover part of the cost of purchasing fertilisers, pesticides and other agricultural supplies, the Ministry of Agriculture is at the same time preparing two new schemes to address rising costs, with an estimated total cost of €1.5 million and expected completion in early 2027, Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare Ilias Myrianthous said on Saturday.
Access to financing for farmers
Myrianthous, who represented President Nicos Christodoulides at the first Simou Agricultural Festival ("AgroFest"), held on Saturday in the village square of Simou, also said the Council of Ministers has approved a framework to make it easier for farmers to access financing, with agreements with participating banking institutions expected to be signed soon. The new financial products will aim to support investment in agricultural holdings and attract young people to the farming sector.
He added that the Ministry of Agriculture will also launch broad consultation this September on the new Common Agricultural Policy scheme for the period after 2027, stressing that the participation of producers themselves is essential, so that the new priorities reflect the real needs of the farming community.
Drought and rising costs weigh on farmers
Myrianthous referred to the difficulties facing farmers and rural communities, noting that drought, extreme weather events and rising production costs are significantly affecting producers' income and making it harder for them to plan ahead.
At the same time, he announced a symbolic state grant of €1,000 for the first Simou Agricultural Festival, as a contribution towards covering the event's costs.
Local officials welcome the initiative
President of the Paphos District Organisation of Local Government, Charalambos Pittokopitis, also addressed the event, congratulating the Community Council and organised groups of Simou for the initiative.
Pittokopitis expressed the belief that the Agricultural Festival could develop into a permanent institution, contributing to the further promotion, development and progress of the community.
For his part, Simou community leader Andreas Athanasiou stressed the importance of the event in highlighting the community's rural character, as well as in preserving traditional elements and local production.
