Cabinet on Wednesday approved €4.6 million in emergency financial support for farmers affected by the prolonged lack of rainfall and drought in 2025, following a proposal by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
According to a ministry announcement, the funding comes entirely from European resources. It was secured following efforts to obtain the European Commission’s activation of the European Union’s Agricultural Reserve.
The support aims to bolster the income of affected producers and safeguard the viability of their agricultural holdings.
Weathering the storm
The prolonged lack of rainfall, high temperatures and limited water available for irrigation in 2025 affected agricultural production. They caused problems for various crops and honey production, while also increasing the cost of animal feed.
Under the preliminary plan, the support will cover producers of cereals, citrus fruits, olives and bananas, as well as beekeepers, sheep and goat farmers, and cattle farmers.
The aid will be granted to professional farmers affected by the adverse climate conditions. Special provision is being made for non-professional banana growers affected by the damage to the Mavrokolympos dam. The specific eligibility criteria will be set out in the relevant Support Scheme.
Payments will be made through the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation (CAPO), under a Support Scheme to be drawn up by the Ministry of Agriculture. According to the announcement, payments to beneficiaries must be completed by 28 February 2027.
The decision forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to support the agricultural community and strengthen the resilience of the primary sector in the face of climate change impacts.
Source: CNA
