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- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure that I am here today at the 1st Pancyprian Olive and Tradition Festival, which I have put under my auspices and which is organized by the Community Council of Analiodas.
Analiodas is a village in the wider region of Tamassos, where the colour of the olive tree has dominated since the very old times. Today, therefore, we honour the olive tree, which is the most characteristic tree of the rural life of our land and is associated with every aspect of our culture and religion. This precious gift of nature is not only a basic source of agricultural income for us Cypriots, but a living heritage. The fruit of the olive tree, and its products, are one of the most basic elements of Cypriot as well as Mediterranean cuisine. The Mediterranean diet, known all over the world, is based on olive oil, known for its beneficial properties.
For our island, olive growing is one of the most important branches of agriculture. The cultivated areas are maintained at high levels, rewarding the olive growers of our land who, with effort and love, ensure that the agricultural products that reach our table are of high quality and delicious. According to the latest data from the Statistical Office, the area under olive cultivation amounts to about 100 thousand olive trees, making the olive the first tree crop in Cyprus, while the production value of the sector amounts to about 15 million euros.
Although the agricultural sector represents, in numbers, a small part of the country's Gross National Product, it nevertheless has a significant impact on the other sectors of the economy, thus multiplying its value. It helps to maintain the social fabric of rural areas and to reduce urbanisation and desertification. Moreover, the practice of agricultural activity protects and preserves the natural environment and the landscape.
As conditions have developed in recent years, Cypriot agriculture faces many challenges. The Government, and in particular the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, taking into account these facts, aims to continue its multifaceted action and to make every effort to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. In order to support agricultural activity and sustainable rural development, the role of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which provides for a total funding of €454 million, is expected to be decisive. The Strategic Plan includes measures and schemes that promote the sustainability and competitiveness of farmers, while at the same time aiming at mitigating environmental problems and addressing the impacts of climate change.
At the same time, in line with EU policies, we have extended actions to reorganise and improve the functioning of the agricultural sector. Examples include the reform of risk management in agricultural production, as well as legislation to tackle Unfair Commercial Practices in the agricultural and food supply chain and to improve the functioning of Farmers' Markets for the benefit of our farmers.
Friends,
We are determined to breathe new life into the agricultural sector, to chart a new course that responds to its needs and addresses its real problems.
We are determined to breathe new life into the agricultural sector, to chart a new course that responds to its needs and addresses its real problems. Our aim is to support rural communities so that they remain vibrant centres of economic, social and cultural development, combining agriculture, tourism and the protection of our natural environment.
In conclusion, I would like to express my warmest congratulations to the Community Council of Analionta for organising this beautiful event, through which people can get in touch with the olive tree and enjoy original dishes with the olive as the main ingredient.
In conclusion, I would like to express my warmest congratulations to the Community Council of Analionta for organising this beautiful event, through which people can get in touch with the olive tree and enjoy original dishes with the olive as the main ingredient. The Government of Nicos Christodoulides will continue to implement its pro-agricultural policy and to support our agricultural world in every possible way.
Thank you.
(BG/MB)
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