-
.
- Ελληνικά
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment attaches great importance to the promotion of crops adapted to the specific climatic conditions of Cyprus, in the context of sustainable rural development and adaptation to the conditions brought about by climate change.
It therefore wishes to remind those concerned of the provisions of the Decree on the collection, transport and/or marketing of carob trees which has been in force since last year (Decree 224/2023). The aim is to protect the local production of carob trees, which are a unique genetic resource with a long tradition of adaptation and resistance to climatic conditions in which other tree crops find it difficult to thrive.
Under the provisions of the Decree in question (Decree-Law No 224/2023), the collection, transport and/or marketing of carob trees is prohibited before 15 August of each calendar year.
It is noted that the Decree has been issued under Article 5(1) of the Carob (Apogee) Law, as amended by the Carob (Amendment) Law of 2023, which was published in the Official Gazette on 16/06/2023. The above Law aims to protect the local production and marketing of carob trees, to limit the damage to these trees caused by the collection of unripe carob trees, and to maximize the benefit of both producers and owners of carob fields from the marketing of carob trees.
In addition, the implementation of the new provisions is expected to combat the theft of unripe carob trees for the purpose of their illegal marketing for temporary profit.
It should be noted that the Minister may, on receipt of a written application from any person concerned, authorise that person, if satisfied on the grounds set out in the application, to collect, transport and/or market carob trees before the date specified.
It should be noted that under the provisions of the Law, a person who collects, transports and/or markets carob trees before 15 August of each calendar year is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand euros (€1.000).
(Ephys/GS/EATH)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
