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It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to welcome the opening of the Milos Festival, which is organized by the Kyperounda Community Council. The beautiful and picturesque village of Kyperounda, the largest mountain village in Cyprus, emerges from the foothills of Madaris. The main occupation of its inhabitants is agriculture, making Kyperounda one of the most important centres for the preservation of the rural world in the countryside. The high altitude at which the community is located, the climatic conditions of the area with cold winters and mild summers, as well as the fertile soils, make the area ideal for growing fruit trees such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, almond trees etc.
Kyperounda has the most areas with apple trees in Cyprus, while the quality of its apples is renowned. Recognizing the role that the community plays as a reference point in the wider area of Pitsilia, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment has proceeded for years with the establishment and operation of the Farmer's Service Centre in Kyperounta, aiming at the direct service and response of the Ministry's services to the needs of the residents of the area of Pitsilia.
Today's event is dedicated to the apple.
Today's event is dedicated to the apple. The apple tree is an 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 from the Statistical Office, the area under apple trees in Cyprus is approximately 450 hectares. The production value amounts to EUR 2.2 million.
Friends,
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, agricultural activity protects and preserves the natural environment and landscape, and contributes to the mitigation of climate change.
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 activities, and to make every effort to address the challenges and improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. To support agricultural activity and the sustainable development of rural areas, 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 interventions that promote the sustainability and competitiveness of farmers while aiming to mitigate the effects of climate change.
At the same time, 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 sector of risk management in agricultural production, as well as the legislative regulations to tackle Unfair Commercial Practices in the agri-food supply chain and the improvement of the operation of Farmers' Markets for the benefit of you, our farmers.
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.
Friends,
In closing, I would like to congratulate the Kyperounda Community Council for organizing this beautiful event, which, apart from being fun, offers people the opportunity to get in touch with the cultivation of the apple tree and to get to know the different varieties and to taste the delicacies and drinks that the local people prepare from the apples. I hope that such events will continue to take place with the same zeal. Finally, I assure you once again that the Government will continue to implement its pro-agricultural policy and to support our farming community in every possible way. I wish everyone a lot of fun.
Thank you.
(BG)
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