The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, participated on Monday in the proceedings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the European Union in Brussels.
According to an announcement, in her intervention the Minister congratulated Ireland on assuming its duties and said that Cyprus would continue to work actively to shape European policies that ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of agriculture and fisheries.
During the discussion on the EU Strategy for Livestock and the Protein Action Plan, the Minister said that the two initiatives constitute central tools for strengthening the resilience of European agriculture, ensuring food security and enhancing the Union’s strategic autonomy.
According to the announcement, the Minister stressed that the success of these initiatives requires adequate funding, meaningful flexibility and respect for national specificities, without placing a one-sided burden on the resources of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Referring to the needs of Cyprus as an island state, she highlighted the need to strengthen biosecurity, prevention and the effective response to animal diseases. She also referred to ensuring a level playing field for European livestock farmers, who are being called upon to adapt to new requirements and increased pressures.
The Minister made particular reference to the role of women in agriculture, noting that the designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer is an important opportunity to highlight the need to strengthen the presence and voice of women in the agri-food sector.
On agricultural issues linked to trade, the Minister highlighted the strategic importance of geographical indications as an advantage of European agriculture.
According to the announcement, the Minister noted that geographical indications protect the authenticity and quality of European products, support producers and strengthen the sustainable development of rural areas.
