Agriculture Ministers of Cyprus, Greece, Malta sign MoU to promote cooperation

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights of Malta, Anton Refalo, and the Minister of Rural Development and Food of Greece, Konstantinos Tsiaras, has been signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Maria Panayiotou. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation to promote innovation, sustainability and resilience in agriculture.

As a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture says, the MOU between Cyprus, Greece and Malta was signed on the sidelines of the Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries, which takes place in Brussels.

In her statements on 23 September, Dr. Panayiotou said that "on the sidelines of today's Council, we signed an important Memorandum of Understanding with Greece and Malta, which strengthens the cooperation of our three countries in the field of agriculture."

She pointed out that the Memorandum focuses "on the exchange of knowledge and good practices, with the aim of supporting young farmers and promoting female employment in the primary sector."

It is noted that the Memorandum is a milestone for the strengthening of agricultural ties between the three countries, emphasizing mutual benefits and common goals for sustainable and sustainable agriculture. "Through the collaboration, joint actions will be undertaken that will promote the development of sustainable practices and enhance the productivity of farmers. Particular emphasis will also be placed on issues such as improving soil quality, water management, carbon sequestration practices and reducing gas emissions," the press release says.

It is further added that the Memorandum promotes alternative and sustainable farming methods, such as hydroponics and aquaculture, which are particularly important in addressing the water shortages and droughts affecting the three countries. In addition, the Memorandum aims to facilitate access to education and training in the agricultural sector.

"The Memorandum of Understanding signed today lays the foundations for institutionalized cooperation and mutual support between Cyprus, Greece and Malta, providing practical solutions to current issues and challenges in the primary sector, creating prospects for enhancing innovation, sustainability and resilience," said the Minister of Agriculture.

(Source: CNA)