Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced measures to reduce the price gap between producers and consumers during a “fruit market” event in Nicosia aimed at familiarising students with local agricultural products.
Panayiotou said revised legislation for farmers‘ markets now allows producers to sell directly to consumers, reducing dependency on intermediaries.
More than 100 students attended the event, which showcased Cypriot fruits and vegetables and included demonstrations of halloumi cheese production, promoting the product’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
In a separate meeting with farmers from the Troodos mountain region, the minister announced increased diesel fuel subsidies for mountain-area farmers as part of an existing investment programme to address rising production and transportation costs.
The ministry also unveiled plans for special measures supporting photovoltaic and agri-photovoltaic systems with subsidies of up to 80%, promoting sustainable agricultural development.
Panayiotou emphasised the importance of ongoing collaboration with farmers, noting that regular contact with young farmers in the Troodos region helps maintain productive dialogue between the ministry and agricultural communities.
