Farmers outline Cyprus’ problems to EU commissioner

Climate change, green transition, drought and the shortage of water were among issues raised by agricultural organisations at a meeting with European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Janusz Wojciechowski on Monday.

During the meeting in Ayia Napa, in the presence of Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, representatives of the organisations said one of the main problems faced was the fact that decisions taken on an EU level were the same for all member states.

Panayiotou said many of the positions submitted to the EU were those of the agricultural organisations.

Panagrotikos general secretary Tasos Yiapanis, speaking on behalf of the five organisations present at the meeting, said many EU countries were drenched, while Cyprus was dry and facing a prolonged drought.

Yiapanis added that funding should increase for Cyprus, as the survival of the agricultural sector was at stake.

He also voiced concerns over green transition, saying measures should be taken to help farmers survive.

Regarding the shortage of water, Yiapanis reiterated his position that the sector needed EU support.