Nicosia: A major European initiative to strengthen farmers' market position and ensure fairer conditions in the agri-food chain is set to be finalised in the coming period, with the achievement of a political agreement between the Council of the EU and the European Parliament on amending the regulatory framework of the Common Market Organization, according to a statement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment. According to Cyprus News Agency, at a particularly critical juncture, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, as the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, took charge of the dossier on amending the Common Market Organisation, with several complex and unresolved issues requiring immediate political resolution. The amendment of the Regulation was one of the key priorities promoted by Cyprus in the agricultural sector, responding to the strong concerns of European producers regarding their income and their position in the value chain. The need to expedite the legislative process was imperative so that European farmers could see tangible benefits without further delay. Acting as a truly impartial negotiator, the Presidency held targeted bilateral technical meetings with Member States and intensive negotiations with the European Parliament, seeking to reformulate provisions that could create disruptions in the agri-food chain. The Ministry undertook an extensive technical review and detailed refinement of the regulations, aiming to resolve or prevent potential problems and shape a more robust, functional, and implementable legislative framework. The agreement reached represents a significant milestone in strengthening producers' position in the market. Farmers gain stronger protection through mandatory written contracts that specify in advance the price, quantity, payment schedule, and terms of cooperation, limiting sudden price changes and unfair practices. The Presidency has succeeded, through targeted flexibility, in allowing successful trading prac tices to continue, thereby avoiding additional administrative burdens for producer organisations and cooperatives. The Presidency's actions also strengthen origin labeling on agricultural products, with proportionate rules and no additional administrative burdens, allowing producers to highlight the value and local character of their production. The successful conclusion of the negotiations confirms that the European Union can respond quickly and effectively to the needs of the primary sector, enhancing market transparency, the collective strength of producers, and the fair distribution of added value. The contribution of the Cyprus Presidency was decisive in shaping a balanced and practical regulatory framework that boosts farmers' income and strengthens their position in the value chain. This development is of particular importance for Cyprus and other Member States with small and family-run farms, creating new opportunities to support agricultural income and boost the competitiveness of local products. The European Union is implementing significant changes to the rules governing the agricultural market, aiming to strengthen farmers' position vis-à-vis large buyers and ensure a fairer distribution of profits within the agri-food chain. These changes are a direct response to the intense protests by European farmers in 2024 and are expected to have a particularly positive impact on countries with small farms, such as Cyprus. The new European initiative aims at better prices for producers, greater transparency for consumers, and stronger producer organizations. Farmers will now have the right-and in most cases the obligation-to sell their products under written contracts prior to delivery, limiting arbitrary price changes and strengthening the protection of producers against unfair commercial practices. The new rules give producer organizations greater flexibility to collectively negotiate better prices for their members, particularly important for small producers who have limited bargaining power. The proces s for recognizing organizations is simplified, the potential for cooperation among producers is strengthened, and funding from the European Union is increased, particularly for young farmers. European rules are being established for the use of terms such as 'fair product,' 'fair trade,' and 'short value chain,' protecting both producers and consumers from misleading practices. 'Short value chains' can increase farmers' income and strengthen the local economy. The new rules strengthen the ability to indicate the country or region of production on food products, reinforcing the link between local production and consumption. Designations related to meat may only be used for products that actually contain meat, protecting livestock farmers and preventing consumer confusion. The European Union is increasing funding for investments through producer organisations, particularly when young farmers are involved, with aid covering up to 70% of the investment cost in some cases. For Cyprus, Cypriot agriculture relies primarily on small and medium-sized farms and on products with a strong local identity, such as halloumi. The new regulations can strengthen producers' bargaining power, increase the value of local products, reduce unfair market practices, and support farm income. Overall, this is an important step toward a fairer and more resilient agri-food chain in Europe, with immediate benefits for both producers and consumers.