CAP in Cyprus

CAP in Cyprus

As a full member state of the European Union since 2004, Cyprus benefits directly from the CAP which significantly supports farmers and contributes to rural development.

The CAP directly supports the small farms in Cyprus (75% of the total number of farms of the island) that need the support of the EU to ensure a high standard of living of those employed.

CAP also contributes to the improvement of living conditions in rural areas of our country through rural development measures and protects industry professionals and consumers, focusing mainly on traditional sectors of the Cypriot agricultural economy (wine, fruits and vegetables) with market protection measures.

CYPRUS AGRICULTURE at a glance


Relatively old farmers: only 1.7 % of farmers are under 35 years old, while 40 % are older than 64 (31.1 % in EU28)

Small farms: 89.9 % of holdings are under 5 hectares.

An important contribution to the economy: the primary sector (agriculture, forestry and fishing) accounts for 2.3 % of the country's economy (total GVA) and agriculture for 3.6 % of total employment. This is higher than the European average in economic terms (1.5 % in EU-28) but lower in terms of employment (4.3 % in EU28).

Did you know…

in Cyprus there are eight products registered in the EU.

Kolokasi Sotiras / Kolokasi-Poulles Sotiras

Protected designation of origin (PDO)

Glyko Triantafyllo Agrou

Protected geographical indication (PGI)

Koufeta Amygdalou Geroskipou

Protected geographical indication (PGI)

Pafitiko Loukaniko

Protected geographical indication (PGI)

Loukoumi Geroskipou

Protected geographical indication (PGI)

Loukaniko Pitsilias

Protected geographical indication (PGI)

Lountza Pitsilias

Protected geographical indication (PGI)

Halloumi/Hellim

Protected designation of origin (PDO)

PROJECTS FUNDED THROUGH THE CAP

The Rural Development Programme is one of the pillars of the Common Agricultural Policy. It includes a series of measures aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of agriculture, ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources and the development of Europe's rural areas, including job creation measures. The Programme is addressed to a wide range of beneficiaries such as farmers, businesses, individuals, local authorities, government departments and other stakeholders. In Cyprus, some of the projects that have been co-funded through the Rural Development Program between 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 are the following.

ΒUSINESS SUPPORT

Riverland Bio Farm

Riverland Bio Farm is located in the village of Kambia and is a farm of organic farming, production of organic products and activities. The project has won the First Prize for Best Investment in the European Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

Dymatou Estate

Dymatou Estate is located near the village of Dimes and includes lands with fruit trees, apple trees, gold mills, pears, quinces, raspberries and tomatoes. The fruits are processed into excellent products found on the market.

Dodoni Agricultural Dairy Industry

Dodoni Dairy has a state-of-the-art Halloumi and Anari cheese production plant in Limassol. The new Cyprus factory produces authentic Cypriot cheeses that are available both in the Cypriot market and in foreign countries.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Athienou Youth Centre

Athienou Youth Centre was created to address the need for adequate infrastructure to accommodate young people's creative work activities in Athienou.

Dali Municipal Amphitheatre

Dali Municipal Amphitheatre was completed in 2015. The study and design of the amphitheatre was done with respect to the morphology and character of the space. The amphitheatre hosts many cultural events catering to the needs of the wider area.

Nature Trail & Excursion Area in Kato Milos

The nature study trail and the excursion site in Kato Milos village were designed to contribute to the wider rural tourism development of the area by taking advantage of the natural environment.

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Biogas Production Andreou & Kosti Farm

The production of biogas by anaerobic fermentation is environmentally friendly as it produces energy instead of consuming energy. The farm has sewage treatment plants with biogas, electricity and thermal energy production. 80% of the electricity produced is surplus and available to the EAC Network as green energy.

Greenhouse Cultivation with NFT Aeroponics Mediterranean

With this innovative method of greenhouse cultivation, plants are grown outside the natural soil either on inert substrates or in nutrient solutions (NFT). This method achieves significant water savings and contributes to improving food quality and safety and protecting the environment.

Use of recycled water in agriculture Water Development Department

The project was created to utilize recycled water in agriculture by constructing a clay tank for the storage of excess recycled water from the sewage treatment plant in Anthoupolis and the establishment of a primary and secondary distribution network.

Cyprus and the New Cap

Cyprus has the lowest share of young farmers in the European Union with a percentage not exceeding 1.5% of the total number of people employed in agriculture.

The New CAP will aim at the renewal of generations in agriculture by supporting young people to be active while creating a good working environment and good living conditions in rural areas.

Cyprus has the most sales of veterinary antibiotics in the entire European Union.

The New CAP will support all Member States in the fight against antibiotics, aiming at safe and quality food through the adoption of practices that respect the environment, good health and animal welfare.

Cyprus produces almost twice as much greenhouse gas emissions as the European average, despite the progress made over the last two decades.

The New CAP aims to mitigate climate change through the use of new technologies and good agricultural practices, the reduction of waste of agricultural products and the use of renewable energy sources.