The issue of the green grape vine and the long-term response to the problem of viticulture were discussed on Tuesday by the members of the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, who speak of a 93% reduction in grape production, resulting in the destruction of the income of wine growers.
The Agriculture Committee was told that in 1991 Cyprus produced 250 million kilos of grapes, while in 2021 the production will only reach 15 million.
Moreover, during the session there was talk of a "serious problem" in relation to the disposal of this small production, which was said to be unavailable due to wrong political decisions over time from 1991 to 2021.
In his remarks, DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvidis said that this small production does not meet the needs of the market, noting that Cyprus is forced to import 8 million litres of grapes of dubious quality because there are no mechanisms to control the import of this juice and the wines that come to the country.
He added that there is "reduced production and a devastation of the income of wine growers", noting that "no account has been taken of the increase in production costs".
"Oil has skyrocketed, pesticides, fertilizers, and they come and give prices for green harvest, the same as in previous years," he said.
He asked the government to review the prices of green grape and implement a national plan, in relation to viticulture, so that this small group of vine growers that are left can live and keep whatever young people are left in the province.
EPP MP Elias Mirianthous said that during the Agriculture Committee meeting it has been mentioned to members by the Ministry of Agriculture that there is a restriction by the European Union that interested producers who have been in green harvesting in previous years cannot exceed two years.
At the same time, he said, it is expected that approximately €1.2 million will be spent to subsidise producers approved for green harvesting for the 2022 year.
He spoke of "huge problems" facing Cypriot grape growers, noting that "unfortunately the cost of production has risen sharply."
In addition, he said that today it has been reported by both producers and farmers' organisations that the cost of certain fertilisers has risen by more than 35%, while he said that fuel costs have risen accordingly.
He said a way must be found to support the vine growers themselves.
According to Elias Mirianthous, it has been reported by the Commissioner for European State Aid that due to the war in Ukraine has been given the green light, so that up to 35 thousand euros per producer can be given as state aid, without this, he said, to be taken for granted, since it is a matter of political decision, based on the budget.
He called on the government to find ways to ensure that, in addition to other sectors of the economy, the primary sector is supported to the extent necessary to cover all these increases in production costs.
"At the same time," he concluded , "to keep farmers in the primary sector without abandoning their crops."
Source: CNA
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