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It is with great pleasure that I am today inaugurating the new People's Open Air Market here in Limassol, considering the importance that the Nicos Christodoulides Government gives to the operation of People's Markets in our country.
Given the Government's long-standing agricultural policy, a bill has been submitted to the House of Representatives for the revision of the existing legislation on Farmers' Markets. Our aim is to better serve both producers and consumers. The most important amendments to the existing Law are, first of all, the transfer of responsibility for the implementation of the legislation from the Ministry of Interior to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. In addition, we are seeking to simplify procedures, such as the application, licensing and inspection procedures and, most importantly, the exclusive participation of producers only in the farmers' markets. In addition, and in line with the above philosophy, a draft bill for the establishment of a Cypriot label award scheme is in the final stage of legislative drafting in the Legal Service. We expect that the Cyprus Label will give an additional boost to the Cypriot countryside.
Friends,
The Government 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 rural population, ensure a fair income for the producer, guarantee food quality and support the ageing of the agricultural sector. It is of course well known that the agricultural sector in Cyprus is currently facing many challenges. The economic crisis of the previous decade was unfortunately succeeded by the coronavirus pandemic, which is hampering the economic life of our country, having a significant impact on the agricultural sector as well. In addition, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has created an energy and food problem, with the prices of energy and therefore of the products produced increasing rapidly.
Nevertheless, our Ministry is making every effort to modernise our agricultural sector, having implemented all available European financial instruments.
In conclusion, I would be remiss if I did not highlight the well-founded social policy of the Limassol Municipality, which, following the demand of the citizens for an open-air market in the area, implemented this project, which we are inaugurating today. The special attention with which the Limassol City Council embraced this need of the residents and the producers of the area is remarkable and demonstrates once again the importance that the Limassol City Council attaches to improving the quality of life of the residents, as well as its respect for the Cypriot farmer.
I would like to congratulate the City Council for this project, which I am sure will play a multifaceted role in the wider community. Finally, I wish you all every success and good business! I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thank you.
(MGM)
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