Brussels: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, underscored the significance of direct payments during the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting. She emphasized that these payments are crucial, not only as a financial mechanism but as the cornerstone for supporting farmers, enhancing social cohesion in rural areas, and ensuring food production and security.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Panayiotou stressed the necessity for adequate funding in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2027 to support farmers contributing to food production. She advocated for each member state’s flexibility to adapt and design solutions tailored to their specific needs. This approach, she noted, would help address problems and meet the needs of all farmers. Panayiotou reaffirmed the commitment to ensure that no farmer is left behind in these efforts.