Nicosia: The Government is proceeding to announce the Major Investment Measure of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, totaling £67.5 million, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced on Tuesday. Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Palace during a press briefing, Letymbiotis highlighted that the Strategic Plan was developed through extensive consultation with agricultural organizations and production sectors to address the real needs of the primary sector and the challenges faced by farmers.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the major investment introduces several new elements, innovations, improvements, and simplified procedures. Letymbiotis noted that eligibility is restricted to those registered in the farmers and agricultural holdings registry. The plan also includes easing of licensing requirements and acceleration of licensing procedures, achieved through special conditions in consultation with the Ministry of the Interior and other competent services.
For the first time, the investment measure allocates funds per priority with a separate points system, ensuring the implementation of the new Strategy’s objectives and supporting the best applications per production sector. Investments in Renewable Energy Sources, actions to save energy, and reduce production costs are promoted with a special financial facility from the Electricity Authority. Additionally, following a Council of Ministers decision, the plan mandates obligations regarding the rational use of water.
The scheme provides substantial support for sheep and goat farming with an allocation of £29.5 million. This aims to strengthen the production of halloumi based on protected designation of origin (PDO) specifications and to increase the production of sheep and goat milk.