Let me first thank you for your invitation to attend the Mandarin Festival, which you are organizing in the Community of Διερώνας for the third time. I am particularly pleased that my first visit since taking office is to the picturesque village of Διερώνας, in the semi-mountainous region of Pitsilia. A community famous for its orchards and the production of citrus fruits, especially the fragrant mandarins.
For many, many years, the Dieronites, faithful cultivators of the Cypriot land, have continued to produce mandarins, which are sought after throughout Cyprus for their quality in taste and aroma. It is no coincidence that, over time, this particular variety of mandarin has acquired special characteristics and is now a certified unique variety, which has been entered in the National Catalogue of Varieties of Cyprus and, by extension, in the Community Catalogue of Fruit Varieties under the name 'Ntopia'. The cold hardiness of the variety allows it to be cultivated in semi-mountainous areas, such as Dsirona, and gives the landscape a particular beauty and fragrance, while at the same time providing a good source of income for the inhabitants.
It is a fact that the citrus sector in Cyprus faces several adversities and challenges. Nevertheless, with passion, the local residents continue to cultivate their mandarins and, with the main advantage of producing high quality products, they cope with the demands of the market while preserving the natural landscape of the area.
Friends,
Although the agricultural sector represents, in terms of numbers, a small part of the country's Gross National Product, it nevertheless has a significant impact on the other sectors of the economy and helps to maintain the social fabric of rural areas and reduce the phenomenon of urbanisation and desertification. Moreover, the practice of agricultural activity protects and preserves the natural environment and landscape and contributes to reducing the negative effects of climate change.
I would like to assure you that the Christodoulides Government has placed high among its priorities in supporting the primary sector, continuing to strengthen the multi-faceted activity of the agricultural sector, with the aim of improving its competitiveness and the sustainable development of the countryside.
I would like to assure you that the Christodoulides Government has placed high among its priorities in supporting the primary sector, continuing to strengthen the multi-faceted activity of the agricultural sector, with the aim of improving its competitiveness and the sustainable development of the countryside. To achieve these objectives, the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 is being implemented with a total funding of €454 million, which includes policies aimed at mitigating environmental problems and tackling 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 area of risk management in agricultural production, as well as legislation to address Unfair Commercial Practices in the agri-food supply chain and to improve the functioning of farmers' markets for the benefit of our farmers.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment focuses its policies on revitalizing and upgrading the agricultural sector so that it is in a position to respond to the modern We are committed to supporting our rural communities, recognising that they are foci of economic, social and cultural development, which we must keep alive.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Διερώνας Community Council, which through events such as today's, contributes to the promotion of our Cypriot products and highlights the value of mandarin oranges.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Διερώνας Community Council, which through events such as today's, contributes to the promotion of our Cypriot products and highlights the value of mandarins.
I wish you all a beautiful and pleasant day.
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