Cyprus' primary sector is facing growing pressure from climate change, drought, foot-and-mouth disease, rising production costs and broader international developments.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Agriculture has prepared a comprehensive plan for the years ahead, which Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou presented to the new House Agriculture Committee.
The minister stressed that the plan's success will require close cooperation between the government, parliament, producer organisations, local authorities and the scientific community.
The strategy is built around 18 key priorities spanning agriculture, livestock farming, fisheries and aquaculture, and water management.
Agriculture
In the agricultural sector, priority will be given to implementing the Large Investment Measure, supporting young farmers through a €7.5 million scheme and completing the remaining nine actions of the Primary Sector Strategy 2024-2029.
Consultations will also begin on the preparation of a new Strategic Plan under the Common Agricultural Policy.
The ministry is continuing efforts to activate a new financing instrument aimed at improving farmers' access to liquidity so they can proceed with approved investments in a timely manner. Following two years of intensive discussions with banks, the ministry hopes an agreement will be signed during July.
At the same time, investment in human capital is being strengthened. For the first time, graduates of secondary agricultural schools will be able to gain practical experience on farms through a wage-subsidy scheme.
The ministry will also allocate €700,000 for the training of professional farmers and the transfer of modern expertise.
Work is also underway on National Quality Certification Schemes for agricultural and livestock products, aimed at strengthening the identity, recognition and added value of Cypriot produce.
In addition, an artificial intelligence system is being developed to provide early detection and warning of extreme weather events.
Livestock farming
In the goat and sheep sector, efforts will continue to increase milk production and safeguard PDO halloumi.
As part of these efforts, an Enhanced Reproductive Management Scheme for goats and sheep will be implemented with the goal of improving productivity by 2027.
Through the AGRICYGEN research programme, advanced genomic methods are being used for the genetic evaluation of livestock, the improvement of forage plants and more efficient management of soil resources.
In research and innovation, plans are progressing for the operation of a DNA Bank to collect and preserve plant genetic material.
The Agricultural Research Institute's Athalassa Experimental Farm will also be upgraded into a Model Circular Bioeconomy Unit.
Fisheries and aquaculture
Implementation of the Sea, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme 2021-2027 will continue through investment projects and grant schemes.
Work is moving forward on port and land-based facilities serving aquaculture operators in Pentakomo, as well as improvement works at the Kato Pyrgos fishing shelter, located in a border-area green community.
At the same time, efforts to protect the marine environment, preserve biodiversity and expand knowledge of marine ecosystems are being strengthened through the mapping of deep-sea ecosystems and research on cetaceans.
Water management
The ministry continues to implement critical infrastructure projects, expand desalination capacity, make greater use of reclaimed water and reduce losses across water networks.
Of particular significance is the commencement of preparatory studies for a new desalination plant at Dhekelia, which is expected to become the largest desalination project ever undertaken in Cyprus.
Projects promoting the efficient use of reclaimed water are also advancing, including a major scheme in Larnaca.
Construction is already underway on a pipeline that will transfer reclaimed water from the Larnaca Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Tersefanou Dam, with completion expected in 2027.
At the same time, planning is beginning for the associated irrigation network, aimed at increasing water availability for agricultural use.
The ministry is also implementing a three-year, science-based planning framework to ensure that today's decisions take into account future water needs and available reserves.
