Cyprus approves extra €2 million for young people entering primary sector

Protaras, Cyprus. The government has approved an additional €2 million for a new support scheme to ensure that all young people who have expressed interest in entering Cyprus’ primary sector can benefit, President Nikos Christodoulides announced.

Additional funding for young applicants

Speaking at the 10th Rural Culture Festival, organised by the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation (CAPO) in Protaras, Christodoulides said interest in the sector had increased significantly, particularly among younger people, and pledged continued government support.

“I know that the funds under the new scheme have been exhausted and that another €2m is needed so that everyone can benefit. Our government is approving this €2m so that all young people who have expressed an interest will be eligible,” he said.

Pressures on the primary sector

Christodoulides said the primary sector faced several pressures, including the effects of climate change, the need for a green transition, the protection of natural resources and growing requirements for safe, high-quality food.

He said the government’s responsibility was “to turn these challenges into opportunities for a more modern, competitive and sustainable primary sector”.

Agricultural policy and funding

The president described the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as the most important tool available to the state for strengthening agriculture.

He said this was particularly important for Cyprus, where agriculture accounts for a relatively small share of GDP but has a significance extending well beyond its direct economic contribution.

For that reason, he said, the government must follow a clear plan aimed at further strengthening the sector. Within this framework, the CAP Strategic Plan provides €454 million in funding, he added.

Christodoulides also referred to ongoing EU-level discussions on the future of the CAP, noting that formal consultations on the next programming period will begin on October 8.