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It is a great honour for me to attend and welcome the 5th Cherry Festival, which is organised by the Pedoula Community Council in collaboration with the Association of Expatriates and Friends of Pedoula. Pedoulas is known to be one of the most picturesque and beautiful mountain villages of Cyprus, as well as one of the most attractive agro-tourism destinations at the same time, being surrounded by natural beauties and cultural attractions.
Situated in the valley of Marathasa, Pedoulas has a suitable climate and fertile soils, where agriculture has always been the mainstay of the village's economy and the area has always been ideal for the cultivation of various fruit trees, mainly cherry trees. So today's event is dedicated to this fruit that we all love, the cherry.
The cherry is a quite important crop for Cyprus, especially in the mountainous and semi-mountainous areas, which, under the right conditions, can be a good source of income for the producer, while helping to keep the population in the countryside. According to the most recent data of the Statistical Office, the cultivated areas with cherry trees in Cyprus amount to about 230 hectares with a production value of about 1.6 million euros.
Friends,
Although the agricultural sector represents, in numbers, a small part of the Gross National Product of the country, 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 landscape, and contributes to the mitigation of climate change.
As conditions have evolved 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 aiming to mitigate environmental problems and tackle climate change.
In line with EU policies, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment attaches particular importance to the extension of actions to reorganise and improve the functioning of the agricultural sector. Examples include the reform of the area 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 the Farmers' Markets for the benefit of our farmers.
We are determined to breathe new life into the agricultural sector, to chart a new course that responds to the needs and addresses the real problems of the rural world.
We are determined to breathe new life into the agricultural sector, to chart a new course that responds to the needs and addresses the real problems of the rural world. 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.
Friends,
In closing, I would like to express my congratulations to the Pedoulas Community Council and the Association of Expatriates and Friends of Pedoulas for organising this beautiful festival which is tending to become an institution.
Friends,
In conclusion, I would like to express my congratulations to the Pedoulas Community Council and the Association of Expatriates and Friends of Pedoulas for organising this beautiful festival which is tending to become an institution.
Finally, I would like to assure you again that the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment will continue to implement its pro-agricultural policy and support our rural world in every possible way.
I wish you all a beautiful evening. Thank you.
(MGM)
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