The government must support viticulture
Statement by AKEL MP Giannakis Gavriel and Chairman of the Parliamentary Agricultural Affairs Committee
12 April 2022
For the third consecutive year, after all the problems caused by the pandemic, the need to implement a green harvest plan for viticulture has again emerged, because of the problems generated by the war in Ukraine.
In addition to the distribution problems of their production, wine growers, like all agricultural and livestock sectors, are facing huge increases in production costs that are further eroding their income.
The scheme as announced, despite the increased problems of the sector, provides for a significantly reduced budget compared to last year. More specifically, in 2021, EUR 2.2 million were allocated under the plan, while this year’s plan budget provides for just EUR 1.2 million.
Bearing in mind the increased flexibility provided by the EU to support the agricultural sector to address the consequences of the war, we requested and received a commitment from the government that if the need arises, further support will be provided under the scheme for those excluded from participation in the plan as well. Furthermore, we will await the elaboration of a support scheme in view of the increased production costs, which are not passed on and are borne entirely by the producers.
We also discussed the progress of the restoration of the environment in the areas affected by last summer’s fires and the compensation to affected farmers.
Despite the restoration work that has been carried out, new needs are constantly emerging for improving projects in the affected areas, as well as the strengthening of fire protection in view of the summer season. With regard to compensation, it is extremely worrying that of the approximately 1,000 potential beneficiaries for inclusion in the 5.2 investment measure of the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation (KOAP), only 37 have so far submitted an application, which must concern those responsible in relation to the provisions of the measure.
