Agriculture Minister discusses ways to support drought-hit Cypriot farmers with Commissioner Hansen

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou spoke with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christoph Hansen about the problems the primary sector in Cyprus is facing as a result of the prolonged drought and water shortage, with the Minister noting that the EU official is paying heed in an effort to find solutions.

The Minister, who attended in Brussels the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, also said that references to small farmers and the water strategy were “positive” following a discussion of a set of conclusions on a farmer-focused post-2027 common agricultural policy (CAP).

In her statements, Panayiotou said that she explained Cyprus’ interpretation of a “fair allocation of CAP funds, which must necessarily take into account the particularities of member states.”

As for the holistic approach with regards to water, the Minister noted as a positive point the reference to fair incomes for farmers, which she said is a common goal in order to make the sector as attractive as possible for young people.

Panayiotou noted that on the sidelines of the Council she met with Fisheries and Oceans Commissioner Costas Kadis and they discussed the particular circumstances and problems Cypriot fishers are facing also regarding Aquaculture.

She noted that they agreed to set up a working team at a technocratic level to look into ways together with the European Commission to provide support.

As for her meeting with Commissioner Hansen, Panayiotou said that she spoke to him about the problems in the primary sector in Cyrus due to prolonged drought and water shortage. The Commissioner was aware of the problems, she went on, adding that they agreed to stay in constant touch in order to find solutions to support farmers.

In a written statement the Minister says moreover, that during the meeting with Commissioner Hansen, Panayiotou discussed various issues concerning farming and food production in the EU, focusing on the challenges smaller and more isolated members states are facing, such as Cyprus.

The Minister also presented the main priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of 2026, with the emphasis on ways to strengthen food security, address climate change and strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector, the announcement continues.

Hansen praised Cyprus’ contribution to the dialogue on the future of European agriculture and assured that the European Commission will continue to support member states on critical issues, it is added.

The meeting concluded with both sides vowing to closer cooperate for a sustainable development of agriculture and in strengthening farmers vis-à-vis the challenges facing the sector. The Minister extended an open invitation to the Commissioner to visit Cyprus, in order to get to know the particularities characterising the island’s agricultural sector firsthand, the statement concluded.

(Source: CNA)