I would like to thank you for your invitation to attend today the Cyprus Wine Exhibition organized by the Famagusta Winegrowers' Association again after an absence due to the pandemic. The organization of the Exhibition for the tenth time indicates that the Famagusta Winegrowers' Association has established itself and now plays an important role in the wine events of the country. Especially in a region of Cyprus that welcomes a large number of tourists, giving them, among other things, the opportunity to get to know the products of local wine production.
My presence here shows the real will of the Christodoulides Government to support the wine sector and any initiative to promote the wines of Cyprus. Undoubtedly, the efforts of Cypriot producers have put our country's wines on an excellent quality path to stand worthy in international markets. In particular, the wines referred to as "Cyprus Ambassador Wines" from the indigenous varieties Xynisteri and Maratheytiko, Koumandaria and other branded wines of Cypriot production that are the focus of this event are different, special, unique and at the same time historic. Through the organisation of wine events such as this one, as well as other related collective actions aimed at people with influence and purchasing power in the domestic and foreign markets, we clearly seek to increase the visibility of Cyprus wines. These actions place our country on the map of wine tourism, in a targeted and organized manner, in a market of high demands, taking into account the sensitivities of the modern consumer.
In this spirit, during the period 2019-2023 we implemented an excellent tool to support the wine sector, the National Support Programme for the Wine Sector. Similarly, within the framework of the Strategic Plan of Cyprus for the programming period of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027, the Sectoral Interventions of the wine sector were designed. The Interventions are not only of an economic nature, but also incorporate the philosophy and strategy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment for the wine sector. It promotes the development of competitiveness, environmental sustainability and the protection of biodiversity. Tools are provided to address climate change and ensure food safety. Policy planning is evolving, decided and validated in Brussels, but the Cyprus Strategic Plan has taken into account the specific national conditions of wine production and marketing, putting our wine sector on a path of continuous development.
Through the current National Support Programme, it is expected that a total of more than €22 million will be made available to wine growers and winemakers from net European funds until its completion on 15 October 2023.
Through the current National Support Programme, it is expected that a total of more than €22 million will be made available to wine growers and winemakers from net European funds until its completion on 15 October 2023. Our efforts, through the Strategic Plan, are focused on the target of disbursing an equivalent amount by the year 2027. Support interventions, such as the restructuring of vineyards with varieties that enjoy greater acceptance in the wine market, investments in modernisation, modernisation and footfall in wineries and the promotion of wines in third countries, are essential for our country. Admittedly, our winemakers, for their part, are called upon to make the best possible use of the very important Intervention for promotion in third countries and the funds available to communicate the comparative advantage of Cyprus as a historical country of viticulture and wine production.
Friends,
The 14th Cyprus Wine Competition is scheduled to take place in May. This year's event is under the auspices of the Ministry and the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). The competition, with its similar events, co-organizers and the expected participation of a large number of winemakers, show the importance of the institution. A landmark wine event for the wine sector of Cyprus. An opportunity to develop the climate of fair play between winemakers for quality recognition. The importance to be attached to the quality and uniqueness of Cyprus' wines is once again emphasized. The dynamic promotion and communication of the events creates a positive current in favour of varietal wines, PDO and PGI wines, as it increases recognition and establishes a wine identity in the minds of consumers. Certainly what is expected to complete the positive impact is to increase the market share of Cyprus wines, gaining new ground.
With these few thoughts, I congratulate once again the Famagusta Wine Friends Group for its initiatives, which aim at the continuous progress of this important region of the country. Thank you.
(MKY)
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