Brussels: The government’s commitment to supporting farmers and aligning promises with actions was reaffirmed by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, during the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Dr. Panayiotou emphasized the importance of creating a supportive framework for farmers, which includes providing sufficient incentives and financial tools to make the primary sector appealing to young people. She highlighted the necessity for this alignment of words and deeds, referencing the joint Council conclusions adopted by EU Agriculture Ministers in December 2024 and the subsequent signing of the “Letter of the 20” to advocate for an independent two-pillar Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The European Commission’s new proposal, however, moves away from this independent structure, introducing a “New Approach” that poses a challenge for achieving beneficial outcomes for farmers. Dr. Panayiotou stressed the importance of supporting farmers, who work tirelessly to ensure food supply, by making the sector attractive through incentives and financial support.
She reiterated Cyprus’ steadfast commitment to the future of agriculture, stating that it is more than a mere promise; it is a priority and a firm stance for the country.