Agriculture Ministry says efforts to support primary sector affected by the weather are ongoing

Efforts are continuing, both in Cyprus and in Europe, to provide practical support to the primary sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment said in a press release, after the European Commission announced an emergency assistance of €3.5 million for Cypriot farmers due to the adverse weather conditions. 

Τhe disbursement of another €12 million in co-financing with EU Funds is also expected through the activation of Measure 23 of the Rural Development Programme for the compensation to producers who suffered losses in excess of 30%.

According to the Ministry press release on 20 February, the European Commission on 19 February announced  a €3.5 million assistance package to support the income of Cypriot farmers, following a request from the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou. It is noted that this assistance is aimed at supporting farmers who were affected by extreme weather in Cyprus since spring, last year.

At the same time, it is added, the disbursement of €12 million in co-financing is expected, through the activation of Measure 23 of the Rural Development Programme, for the compensation of producers who suffered losses in excess of 30%.

It is further noted that following the relevant briefing of the Council of Ministers but also following bilateral meetings with the Commissioner for Agriculture, Panayiotou submitted a request to the European Commission to provide financial support to Cyprus' farmers from the European Crisis Management Fund, as compensation for the loss of their income. The request has received final approval from the competent bodies of the European Commission for emergency aid for the affected producers, it is added.

"The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, recognizing the difficulties faced by our agricultural producers due to the ongoing extreme weather conditions, continues to make every effort, both in Cyprus and in Europe, to support our primary sector", the press release concludes.

(Source: CNA)