There is no magic wand for water scarcity, Agriculture Minister says

"No one has a magic wand to solve the problem of water scarcity," Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, has said, following the MED9 ministerial meeting in Cyprus, which recently concluded in Ayia Napa. She noted that there is still a long way to go.

At the same time, she emphasised that since we are aware of the problem, we must act promptly to address it, adding the MED9 summit provides the framework for coordinating at the European level to secure the tools that farmers need to adapt.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, she also noted that Cyprus has specific proposals regarding the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), where it is requesting that 2% of its allocated budget be used for compensating farmers during crises.

Additionally, she said that Cyprus must strengthen flood protection projects and infrastructure to ensure that farmers have access to water for uninterrupted irrigation.

Invited to assess the results of the ministerial meeting held from 1-3 September, Dr. Panayiotou described it as "positive," stating that this was the common consensus. Everyone who participated in the meeting agreed on the significance and timing of this initiative, especially as Cyprus holds the presidency of the alliance this year, the Minister remarked.

She also highlighted the importance of timing, as the new European Commission is being formed, and discussions are starting about the new Common Agricultural Policy and what it should include. "It is very important and positive that we are beginning to coordinate the nine Mediterranean countries to have a common stance on shared problems such as drought and water scarcity", the Minister said.

When asked about the joint declaration approved by the Ministers and how it concerns Cyprus, which faces such a severe problem, Dr Panayiotou stated, "we are not facing this serious problem alone; all nine countries are experiencing the effects of water scarcity”.

In her remarks, she referred to the Greek representative's comment that last year "we had floods, this year we have drought," confirming what scientists have been telling us—that beyond reduced rainfall, "Cyprus is experiencing its worst year in terms of rainfall."

Besides reduced rainfall, she continued, "the second major consequence we face is extreme weather events."

"What does this mean in practice? It means that we must continue to prioritise and advance the infrastructure projects already in progress and those planned for the next stage. We must also strengthen flood protection projects and infrastructure to provide our farmers with access to water so they can irrigate their crops without reduced income," she added.

This, she said, was discussed and is included in the declaration, highlighting the need for adaptation. "Our professional farmers are naturally adapting, with some being forced to resort to crops that require less water”.

Dr. Panayiotou stated that at the state level, “we must provide them (the farmers) with financial tools and access to knowledge so they can make use of available technology to adapt their crops and remain sustainable. What concerns us is the sustainability of Cypriot and European farmers”.

When asked how close we are to achieving these goals, Dr. Panayiotou said that solving the problem of water scarcity "is not something that can be done in a day... Cyprus has infrastructure projects, but more are needed. And yes, we have a long way to go”.

She added that beyond needing time to implement the projects already underway and plan the next stage, there is also an interim stage—a plan of action "to address the upcoming months until these infrastructure projects are in place”.

"So, we are managing the issue now as Cyprus," Dr. Panayiotou said, reminding that "we are in dialogue with our farmers to provide them with more water than the initial allocation, to ensure we have safe reserves, which is very important. We must not forget this".

The second stage we are working on, she said, "is the coming summer, and we are preparing for it, considering it will be equally challenging, while the third stage involves the projects and infrastructure. Naturally, all this takes time, but these stages are happening simultaneously."

"I repeat, no one has a magic wand to solve such a problem, but since we know it is already here, we must act promptly to address it," she noted. The MED9 summit, she added, has set "the framework for coordinating at the European level and with the nine countries facing a common problem to secure the tools to help farmers adapt." 

When asked if there is a timeline for action, she said she had already informed the European Commissioner, who will pass it on to his successor, that Cyprus will submit a request for financial support for its farmers from the agricultural reserve. The exact amount will be specified in the next stage, she added, as it is currently being worked on.

Furthermore, the new Commissioner will be informed about the infrastructure projects that need to be implemented soon.

Dr. Panayiotou said she will have meetings with the new Commissioner, while the MED9 countries have agreed to continue coordinating in Brussels and within the EU institutions “to strengthen our voice in advocating for our demands, especially for financial support. European solutions and tools exist, and that is what we are pursuing.”

She said that Cyprus has specific proposals regarding the CAP framework, requesting that 2% of the allocated budget be used to support farmers during such crises.

She also discussed the need for simplified processes to access technology, which is very important, "simplified and more immediate processes, and of course, a framework of financial security for our farmers. We are coordinating on this at both the state level and among the nine Mediterranean countries”, she concluded.

(Source: CNA)