A first mapping and prioritisation of issues affecting Cyprus's primary sector has been carried out following the first meeting between Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Christos Senekis and the heads of farmers' organisations since he took office.
Confirming previous reports, the meeting went beyond an introductory exchange and provided an opportunity for farmers' groups to outline the key concerns and complaints they have gathered from the agricultural community.
List of priority issues
During the discussion, held on Tuesday afternoon at the Ministry of Agriculture, participants drew up a list of issues to be addressed in future targeted meetings according to their subject matter and the agencies involved.
The list includes:
- The water crisis and the availability of irrigation water.
- The next phase following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
- Support measures and the viability of farming and livestock operations.
- Rising production costs.
- Issues relating to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The minister heard the positions and concerns of the agricultural organisations on each of the issues raised.
Regular consultation framework agreed
The meeting also resulted in agreement to establish a permanent framework for contacts between the ministry and farmers' organisations.
The arrangement will include regular thematic meetings and, where necessary, participation by relevant agencies so that issues can be examined in depth, data can be updated and progress can be jointly monitored.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, the meetings will strengthen institutionalised communication and consultation with farmers' organisations, including through the Agricultural Advisory Committee and on water-policy issues through the Water Management Advisory Committee (SEDY).
Within SEDY, the Water Development Department's proposals on water allocation are discussed and put to a vote every six months.
"Common goal is to support farmers"
During the meeting, Senekis said the aim was to build on the cooperation developed in recent years while maintaining an open and stable channel of communication and consultation with farmers' organisations and producers.
He said particular emphasis would be placed on issues requiring coordination and joint action.
The minister added that the common objective is to support the agricultural community and strengthen the sustainability and resilience of the primary sector.
Calls for more water for Southern Conveyor farmers
On the water issue, farmers' organisations stressed the urgency of supplying irrigation water to growers connected to the Southern Conveyor Project, particularly those cultivating seasonal crops such as potatoes, which are currently being planted for winter production.
Farmer representatives have publicly stated that potato growers will require water within the next two weeks.
Growers supplied by the Southern Conveyor Project were allocated limited quantities of water for tree crops and no water for seasonal crops.
Foot-and-mouth concerns remain
Regarding foot-and-mouth disease, farmers' organisations raised concerns over compensation.
They say some livestock farmers have yet to receive compensation following the culling of animals, while others received only limited payments.
Representatives also expressed concern about the long-term recovery phase following the crisis.
Production costs under pressure
Another issue highlighted was the continuing increase in production costs.
Farmers pointed to rising prices for irrigation water, fertilisers and other inputs, arguing that these increases are placing additional pressure on both agricultural and livestock operations.
