The Ministry has announced new investment interventions through the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027, featuring subsidies amounting to €10 million.
These are investments to modernise and improve the competitiveness of the overall performance and sustainability of agricultural holdings, as well as investments that contribute to the protection of the environment and animal welfare.
The interventions aim at developing Cypriot agriculture and strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural holdings.
Through the two interventions, a total of €10 million is available to professional crop and livestock farmers and to the rural communities making up part of the National Strategy for the Development of Mountain Communities (ESAOK) for investments in actions of innovation and technological upgrading in agriculture and animal husbandry, the modernisation of holdings , “smart” irrigation, energy saving and the protection of agricultural production from extreme weather events, while at the same time encouraging investments in the area of Tillyria.
It is recalled that the measure was last announced in 2022 and this new announcement comes at the request of farmers made during private meetings and Minister of Agriculture tours.
The seven categories of investments
More specifically, within the framework of the announcement, seven key priorities are being covered. The estimated minimum funding amounts for each are as follows:
- Investments in areas with an altitude of 400 meters and above and ESAOK areas (professionals and non-professionals): €3,000,000
Areas with an altitude of more than 400 meters and ESAOK areas have special needs due to adverse climatic and geographical conditions. The funding aims to boost economic activity and improve infrastructure.
- Investments in the Tillyria area: €500,000
The Tillyria region is characterised by the need for special support due to its geographical peculiarities. The funding will promote the development of local agricultural activities and strengthen the economic resilience of residents.
- Investments in Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and energy saving actions (professional farmers): €3,000,000
Investments in RES and energy saving actions will reduce the energy costs of farmers and contribute to the sustainable development of their farms. These actions are critical to achieving Cyprus’ environmental goals.
- Active crop protection systems with an emphasis on hail and rain protection: €2,000,000
Active protection systems are essential to protect crops from extreme weather events, ensuring the productivity and quality of agricultural products.
- Special targeted intervention for the purchase of artificial lactation devices in sheep and goat farming: €500,000
The purchase of artificial lactation devices will improve efficiency and animal health, enhancing productivity in sheep and goat farming.
- Creation of screen houses in the mountains and semi-mountains for the production of vegetables: €500,000
Screen houses will allow the cultivation of vegetables in areas with difficult climatic conditions, increasing the variety and quality of local products.
- Implementation of smart irrigation systems: €500,000
Smart irrigation systems will ensure optimal use of water resources, reducing water wastage and increasing crop efficiency.
High aid rates
The new announcement covers investments with a total value of €5,000 to €80,000. It is also highlighted that the aid rates have increased compared to previous announcements.
For environmental actions, such as photovoltaics, anti-hail and smart irrigation systems, the aid rate amounts to 80% of the total eligible expenditure. For the rest of the actions, the minimum percentage of co-financing is 60%, while for young people under the age of 41, this percentage amounts to 65%.
In particular, the costs related to agro-photovoltaics are fully compliant with the order for the zoning of RES, which was issued last June by the Ministry of the Interior.
By granting high aid rates, as well as the inclusion of agro-photovoltaics and active protection investments (anti-hail and rain structures), agricultural income is guaranteed and crops are protected from extreme weather events. Additionally, farmers are encouraged and facilitated to keep their farms competitive and adopt beneficial environmental practices. At the same time, the inclusion of young people in the primary sector is encouraged, especially in the mountainous regions of Cyprus.
Information and submission of applications
The details of participation are posted on the websites of the CAP Scheme ( www.cap.gov.cy ) and the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation (COAP) ( www.capo.gov.cy ), as well as in the District Offices of the Department of Agriculture.
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment plans to hold local briefings in Troodos villages to inform the rural community about the opportunities and possibilities offered.
The application period is set from 5 August, 2024 to 29 November, 2024 .
The Investment Measure is co-financed by the EU, through the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027, the Managing Authority of which is the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment in collaboration with the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
