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It is with great pleasure that I am here today at the Mediterranean Diet event, where, through the dishes on display, the Cypriot tradition is honoured. It is a great honour for me to participate in the event organised by the Cyprus Farmers' Union (CSU), in cooperation with the National Agricultural Network, which, within the framework of its role, actively supports events organised by its members, which contribute to the rural development of the country.
First of all, I would like to welcome to Cyprus the Director General of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Crete, Mr. George Baourakis, whose presence honours Cyprus and its agricultural world. Mr. Baourakis, I wish you a pleasant stay on our island.
Dear friends,
If one considers the meaning of the term Nutrition, one will easily understand that it is a multidimensional and complex concept. Food and nutrition are related to our health, our everyday life, but also to agriculture and the environment, as well as to the culture of each place. It is no coincidence that, after a concerted effort by seven Mediterranean countries, including Cyprus, UNESCO has inscribed the Mediterranean Diet on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
This dietary model is based on the dietary traditions of the Mediterranean countries, including Cyprus. Legumes, raw cereals, olive oil and olives, carrots, fish, numerous dairy products, fruits and vegetables are the basic elements of the Mediterranean Diet. It is no coincidence that within the framework of the European Union's quality schemes, several Mediterranean products have been entered in the corresponding register of the Union as Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs) in relation to their properties and characteristics and their geographical origin. The registration, in April 2021, in the register of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs of the European Union of the name Halloumi (Halloumi)/Hellim as a Protected Designation of Origin, an emblematic local product, a flagship of Cyprus' exports, was the result of the joint effort of our Ministry and all stakeholders. Kolokasi Sotiras/Kolokasi - Pulles Sotiras as a Protected Designation of Origin, Macaroni of Smila as a Protected Geographical Indication, but also the most recent applications for registration as Protected Geographical Indications for Halitzia Tilliria cheese and Cyprus red potato are key elements of a Mediterranean diet, and of course part of the Cypriot gastronomic tradition.
Friends,
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment is working tirelessly to enhance the competitiveness of the primary sector, as well as the processing and valorisation of agricultural products by the producers themselves. The non-negotiable objective is to revitalise the countryside, ensure a fair income for the producer, guarantee food quality and support the ageing of the agricultural sector. It is true that the agricultural sector in Cyprus has faced serious difficulties. The economic crisis of the previous decade was followed by the coronavirus pandemic, which had a significant impact on the economic life of our country and therefore on the agricultural sector. In addition, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict created a global energy and food issue, which could not leave Cyprus unaffected, with the prices of energy and agricultural inputs rising rapidly. Taking into account the above data and the difficult circumstances that arose, three packages of measures, totalling €41.5 million, were provided as financial assistance to the most affected sectors and to counter inflationary trends.
At the same time, for the modernisation of the agricultural sector, we are making use of all available European financial instruments. By completing the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy 2014-2020 by this year, when its transitional period ends, we will ensure the allocation of more than €850 million of European and national funds targeted at our rural world. At the same time, we are launching a call for Interventions under the new Common Agricultural Policy until 2027 to further support agricultural activity and sustainable rural development. Our actions are in the light of the Union's broader Farm to Plate Strategy for a more climate-resilient agriculture that promotes health and food quality, protects the environment, preserves landscapes and biodiversity and stimulates rural areas. All this without deviating from the essential objectives of increasing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, enhancing knowledge and introducing innovation, with the main directions of ensuring a fair income for farmers, improving their position in the value chain, encouraging the renewal of generations, and of course protecting them from exogenous crises.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Cyprus Farmers' Union for organizing this beautiful event.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Cyprus Farmers' Union for organizing this beautiful event. I am sure that the opportunity that we will have today to enjoy local products and Mediterranean recipes may push us to re-evaluate this model, which is in line with the principles of good nutrition, and to revise the modern trend exclusively towards ready-made and fast food, for the benefit of our health and the country.
I wish everyone a good time. Thank you.
(MGM)
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