Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou called for adequate funding to support farmers in adapting to the climate crisis and to promote generational renewal in the agricultural sector, during her remarks at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg on Monday.
In her statement ahead of the Council, the Minister highlighted three critical issues affecting the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by Cyprus. She began by addressing the discussion on the “green architecture” of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027. “The climate crisis is already upon us, and its effects are being experienced throughout the food production chain. That is why today’s discussion on the green architecture for the new CAP after 2027 is very important,” she said.
She noted that while the Commission’s proposal includes positive elements, such as the flexibility for member states to adapt their programs to local specificities, “in order to address climate change and the effects of climate change, we need adequate funding.” The Minister also recalled that the Ministers of Agriculture have already jointly expressed their objection to the Commission’s proposal to remove the two pillars and merge the CAP budget with other funds, stating, that “the CAP must maintain its two pillars and an independent budget with an independent funding framework.”
The second issue raised by the Minister concerned “the market situation and the adverse effects on the primary sector in Cyprus due to the prolonged drought, which has affected the entire food production chain.” She requested “adequate and satisfactory support from the Commission,” noting that discussions on this issue are already underway.
Finally, the Minister addressed the “generational renewal strategy” in the agricultural sector, which was presented by the Commissioner. “It is a very important strategy, as we know that the number of young people entering the primary sector across Europe is extremely low-around 12% of those under 40,” she stressed. To make the primary sector attractive to young farmers, “adequate funding is essential,” she concluded, emphasizing that this will be Cyprus’ main request during the discussions. The Minister also underscored the importance of a successful generational renewal strategy for safeguarding food security and maintaining the social cohesion of rural areas.