The Ministry of Agriculture in Cyprus has introduced a €15.5 million package to aid farmers impacted by drought and adverse weather. This initiative, led by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, targets farmers with production losses exceeding 30%, with a particular focus on professional farmers.
The program links damage assessments to the official farmers' registry, establishing eligibility for compensation. The support is part of Measure 23 of the Rural Development Programme, which provides EU member states with a framework for liquidity assistance through lump-sum payments.
Sector-specific allocations have been outlined within the package. The vegetable sector has been allocated a budget of €2.5 million, with compensation set at €850 per hectare. The potato sector is receiving a budget of €2.1 million, also with a compensation rate of €850 per hectare. Deciduous fruit trees have been granted a total budget of €2.65 million, with professional farmers eligible for €1,500 per hectare, while non-professionals will receive €1,200 per hectare.
Eligibility for the aid package requires registration in the Farmers and Agricultural Holdings Registry, with a grace period extending until May 2025. Compensation will be calculated based on the percentage of loss and the average crop income, with support for six specific sectors limited to professional farmers. Payments for Measure 23 are planned for the summer of 2025, while Agricultural Reserve payments are expected to be completed by September 2025.
Source: PhileNews
