Cyprus needs an outward-looking, modern and sustainable agriculture/livestock sector, capable of fully meeting European standards and competing with similar products, at a high level of quality and food safety, says the staff of presidential candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis in a statement. "The current economic situation of high inflation threatens to give the coup de grace to the already exhausted agricultural and livestock production of the country, with unpredictable consequences for the future of the country."
"High standards and increased productivity will lead to increased production and exports, with multiple benefits for the Cypriot economy. A primary sector now based on the circular economy and organic farming, exploiting Cyprus' climatic advantages and the results of research and innovation, is the only satisfactory answer to today's challenges."
In this context, it proposes the following:
- Immediate redesign of the agricultural and livestock sector in order to cope with the current period of high inflation and rising production costs.
- Creation of a new modern authority for the management of cereals, with a specific role in the marketing and distribution of cereals, focusing on livestock farmers and consumers, in order to address shortages of cereals and animal feed. Cyprus, as a semi-inhabited island, must effectively safeguard its strategic stocks.
- Extension of the list of Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) products.), aiming at a new, smart and sustainable Agricultural Economy, promoting healthy food and the Mediterranean Diet and highlighting the high quality of Cypriot products.
- Re-introduction of products from traditional Cypriot Seeds to the market, so that consumers can have healthy products with an environmental philosophy on their plates.
- Re-introduction of products from traditional Cypriot Seeds, so that consumers can have healthy products with an environmental philosophy on their plates. For this purpose, we will develop a Smart Traditional Agriculture program, which will establish a Certificate of Quality of Traditional Products for those communities that will join this program. In this context, we will take the initiative to create a European Traditional Seeds Bank in the Troodos mountains.
- Putting into practice the EU's Smart Communities policy, touching substantially and radically the field of basic infrastructure, services, research, innovation and, above all, exploiting the specificities and skills of each community individually and all together, per region. These communities will bear the title of "Smart - Sustainable Community" and will combine the socio-economic and environmental aspects in such a way as to give a new dynamic to local communities.
- Ensuring water sufficiency by establishing a Single Water Authority, which will aim to formulate a General Water Policy for a better and more efficient use of Cyprus' water resources. Particular attention will be paid to water projects in communities.
- Tax and other incentives for the shift of agriculture to organic farming and livestock farming to organic production, with the employment of qualified personnel.
- Study for the creation of a large agro-pastoral zone.
- Study for the creation of a large agro-pastoral zone. Call for interest to investors, aiming at modern model production units, through targeted subsidies promoting the production of PDO and traditional Cypriot products.
- Creation and introduction of agri-food branches in education, at secondary and tertiary level, in the wider Troodos area, in order to attract the interest of students towards professional involvement in the sector.
- Upgrading the role of the Institute of Agricultural Research and direct dissemination of scientific knowledge and experience to farmers. Linking production with university research for the adoption of innovative practices.
- Organised initiatives and campaigns to promote the Cypriot brand name, with the aim of increasing exports.
- Strengthening the role of cooperatives in production and expanding the cooperative idea in the economy.
- Strengthening the role of cooperatives in production and expanding the cooperative idea in the economy.
- Protection and development of the whole Troodos region through.[/P]
The elaboration of a plan for controlled grazing, with the reintroduction of productive animals as fire guards.
The reopening of the Forest College in Prodromos.
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