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- Русский
It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation of the Doras Community Council to attend the "Per-Viomas" Festival that is being organized today in this beautiful picturesque wine village of Limassol.
I must admit that such events highlight the high level and ingenuity of the organizers who, since they first started organizing this annual festival in 2015, their main concern is to upgrade it in order to keep the interest of both residents and visitors undiminished. The attraction of the public is now certain as participation in the preparation of traditional products such as halloumi, stakes and so much more, is an incentive for many people to participate, especially for children who do not have such hands-on experiences.
The distinct beauty of the community of Dora stems from both the picturesque village and the natural elements of the area surrounding it. Traditional stone, cobbled streets, old fountains and the watermill are characteristic elements of the architecture of Dora. The caves of Agios Andronikos, the rivers that embrace the community, the nature trails, the viewpoints as they are called, are some of the ornaments that nature has generously given to the village. With today's event, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy nature, taking part in the tours, cycling routes and walking on the "Kordyla" Nature Study Trail.
At the same time, and no less important, visitors are invited to participate in the workshop of traditional dances, singing and storytelling, as well as in the photo exhibition and the children's corner.
At the same time, and no less important, visitors are invited to participate in the workshop of traditional dances, singing and storytelling, as well as in the photo exhibition and the children's corner. These are just some of the events of today's all-day event. Fortunately, in some communities, such as that of Dora, respecting and keeping traditions is a priority, as customs and traditions are recognized as an integral part, and this, from our roots.
Events like this one help to strengthen the bonds between community residents and visitors, local and foreign, older and younger. They also showcase and preserve our tradition and heritage. Such initiatives are always welcome and commendable.
Friends,
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment has been working over time to increase the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, revitalize and retain the rural population in the countryside, ensure a fair income for the producer, improve food quality and support age renewal in the agricultural sector.
To achieve these objectives, we are making use of all available European financial instruments. From 2014, when the implementation period of the Rural Development Programme started, until this year, when its transitional period ends, a total of more than €850 million of European and national funds will have been targeted to our rural world. Especially for the 2021-2022 transition period, programmes and support measures have been designed, with a budget of close to €100 million.
In line with EU policies, we have extended our actions to reorganise and improve the functioning of the agricultural sector. The Plan to grant aid to beneficiaries of "coloured" agricultural oil for diesel used in vehicles for agricultural purposes is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture from 2018, as a compensation Plan to the imposition, from 1 September 2017, of the minimum excise duty. Beneficiary farmers and/or foresters receive aid once per year. The reform of the risk management sector in agricultural production, as well as legislation to address Unfair Commercial Practices in the agri-food supply chain and to improve the functioning of the Farmers' Markets for the benefit of our farmers, are just some of the reform actions promoted by our Ministry. We attach particular importance to the promotion of the uniqueness of Cypriot products. The registration of halalumi as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product is a collective success, while our constant aim remains the registration of other traditional agricultural products of Cyprus in the Register of Geographical Indications of the European Union. In the same direction, at the national level, we have promoted a bill for the establishment of the award of the Cyprus Label to quality agricultural products of our country.
Dear friends,
The challenges that Cypriot agriculture has had to face in recent years are many. In order to support agricultural activity and sustainable rural development in the coming years, the role of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 is expected to be decisive. The Strategic Plan provides for a total funding of €454 million and includes measures and schemes that promote the sustainability and competitiveness of our agri-food sector. At the same time, they aim to mitigate the environmental impact of the sector and to tackle climate change.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate you once again for this effort and wish you every success in today's event.
(MGM)
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