President Nikos Christodoulides has said that the goal of boosting the primary sector’s share in Cyprus’ GDP is a top national priority, pointing out he is confident it can be achieved thanks to the “very encouraging” uptake of Agriculture Ministry schemes by young farmers.
He was speaking after receiving the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation’s (CAPO) 2024 Annual Report from Commissioner Andreas Kyprianou on 17 November.
President Christodoulides said it is encouraging to see young people returning to farming, supported by both national and EU programmes.
With Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU in less than 45 days, he noted that key negotiations are ahead on the Multiannual Financial Framework and the Common Agricultural Policy.
While acknowledging pressure on the EU budget from defence, security, migration and competitiveness, he said Cyprus will push to safeguard CAP and Cohesion Fund allocations. He also stressed that Cyprus “cannot afford to lose even one euro” of available EU funding, pointing to CAPO’s leading position in fund absorption. He also praised community festivals for successfully promoting Cypriot agricultural products and supporting export efforts.
Kyprianou: Strong fund absorption and rising support for farmers
Kyprianou said cooperation with the government has led to near-100% absorption of EU funds and higher support for farmers, up 20% in 2024 and expected to rise another 25% in 2025. As he said CAPO has distributed roughly €2.27 billion in subsidies over 21 years, with recent years showing steady growth.
He also highlighted the government’s swift compensation of farmers after last summer’s fires, and said interest from young farmers in new subsidy schemes remains strong despite drought and water challenges.
Traditional Cypriot products, he added, enjoy high recognition in Europe, and strengthening exports can further support the rural economy and help raise the primary sector’s share of GDP.
Kyprianou said CAPO maintains one of the lowest correction rates in the EU, thanks to strict checks.
He also announced that Cyprus will host the 2026 Conference of Directors of Agricultural Payments Organisations, where it plans to raise issues such as small farm sizes and high administrative costs in Cyprus, pushing for simpler procedures and easier access to EU funds.
(Source: CNA)
