Portoroz: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment for Cyprus, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, is participating in the Conference of European Ministers of Mediterranean countries (MED9) from October 5-7 in Portoroz, Slovenia. The conference aims to address Sustainable Risk Management in Agriculture and continues discussions initiated under the Cyprus Presidency of the MED9.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the conference will be chaired by Slovenia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Mateja CaluÅ¡ic. The focus is on formulating a common strategy to ensure resilient, sustainable, and fair agriculture in the European South. The Ministers of the nine Mediterranean countries are expected to adopt a Joint Declaration of the MED9, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing agricultural resilience amid increasing challenges, in light of upcoming legislative proposals for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2028-2034.
In the discussions, the Cypriot Minister will highlight the importance of preventive and coordinated political action. Emphasis will be placed on financial adequacy, prompt compensation for producers, and the sustainability of agricultural holdings.
After the conference, Panayiotou will visit Ireland on October 7 for a two-day official visit at the invitation of the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and Maritime Affairs, Martin Heydon. The discussions will cover the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and issues related to coordination and transition to the next Presidency, which is Ireland. Discussions will also focus on policies for the new CAP post-2027, emphasizing research, innovation, and technology in the agri-food sector.
During her visit to Ireland, Panayiotou will also tour the country’s national research and advisory organization for agriculture, as well as model agricultural and livestock units.