The programmes to support our agricultural sector, through the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the programming period 2023-2027, were presented today by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Kostas Kadis, at a press conference at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades.
Welcoming the event, the President of the Republic referred to the multidimensional nature of the Strategic Plan, noting that it contains interventions aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, ensuring the sustainable management of our natural resources, the age renewal of the agricultural population, upgrading the services provided in the countryside and the creation of additional jobs. "The total amount to be paid by the State for the next programming period of the CAP is expected to exceed 450 million euros, from European and national resources," Anastasiades said.
Over 750 million euros for our farmers
It is characteristic, Anastasiades said, that during our ten-year governance, an amount of over 750 million euros was channelled to our farmers through the Common Agricultural Policy. "In addition, as a Government, we have also implemented a number of national plans to support our farming community. As an indication, in connection with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, packages of targeted financial support measures for our farmers, approaching 50 million euros, were approved by the Council of Ministers," he said. In addition, he pointed out that through the new policy of making up for the loss of agricultural income adopted with the operation of the Risk Management Fund in the Agricultural Sector, from 2019 to date, compensation amounting to 32 million euros has been granted to farmers damaged by natural disasters and extreme weather events. "Characteristic of the importance that the Government gives to the agricultural sector", he added, "is the inclusion in the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Cyprus for Tomorrow Programme of a significant number of projects and reforms that are expected to have a positive impact on the agricultural activity of our country, with a total value of more than 75 million euros".
The new Strategic Plan is directly linked to the future of Cypriot agriculture
Then the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Costas Kadis, presented the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 which, he said, fully reflects the vision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment for the future of Cypriot agriculture and our rural areas. "It is fully adapted to the new challenges that have emerged recently and provides a substantial contribution to serving the national objectives set in the Green Agreement," he continued, stressing that the Strategic Plan is the product of a broad consultation with society, agricultural organisations, the academic and research community, the productive sectors and environmental stakeholders.
The nine objectives of the CAP
Costas Kadis said that the new Strategic Plan is based on the nine objectives of the CAP, which are. [*]Increasing competitiveness, with a focus on research and digital transformation. [*]Improving the position of farmers in the food chain. [*]Contributing to climate change mitigation. [*]Promoting sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources. [*]To contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and habitats.
[*]Attracting young farmers and facilitating business development in rural areas.
[*]Promoting employment, social inclusion and local development in rural areas.
[*]Improving the responsiveness of agriculture to the food and health demands of society. [/LIST]
Indicative actions of the new Plan
Mr Kadis made particular reference to important actions of the new Plan such as. [*]The reduction of energy costs through the use of Renewable Energy Sources. [*]Further strengthening the role of producer groups/organisations. [*]The financing of new recycled water projects to reduce the use of surface and groundwater. [*]The further reduction of losses of large irrigation networks. [*]Compensatory payments to farmers for compliance with obligations under Natura 2000 site regulations. [*]The implementation of interventions for young farmers. [*]A more favourable aid framework for the establishment of new farmers in mountain areas. [*]The commitment to a significant increase in holdings and areas in organic farming and livestock farming. [/LIST]
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