Potato and wheat producers have altered their plans and are now moving with their agricultural vehicles towards Nicosia, with the Presidential Palace as their destination, as was their original intention just after 10 in the morning.
Yesterday, they decided to rally with tractors and double-cab vehicles at the offices of the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organization protesting the delay in payments.
However, following the information they received a while ago from the Commissioner of Agricultural Payments that all payments will be made by the end of the year, regardless of problems arising from their applications, they decided to transfer their mobilization to the Presidential Palace, demanding greater economic support.
Potato producers from the free area of Famagusta and Larnaca are coming with their double-cab vehicles, meeting at GSP Stadium, where the tractors of wheat producers from the Larnaca province are also heading.
It is noted that the government’s latest differentiated proposal is to provide €4.3 million in economic support to the two sectors. Wheat producers will receive €2.65 million, corresponding to €6 per decare, and potato producers will receive €1.654 million, corresponding to €55 per decare.
It is emphasized that the Council of Ministers recently decided to approve an amount of €574,358 only for wheat cultivators, while no financial support was granted to potato producers, as it was deemed unjustified according to the Ministry of Finance.
According to the government, any increase in the cost of potato production has been offset by a simultaneous increase in the selling price to consumers.
After consultations between the producer groups and the Minister of Agriculture, a government proposal was submitted for providing support of €4 per decare for wheat and €34 per decare for potatoes.
However, this amount was increased during the discussions to €6 per decare for wheat and €55 per decare for potatoes. Thus, from €575 thousand, we reached €4.3 million.
It is noted that wheat producers are demanding support equivalent to €10 per decare, and potato producers are demanding €80 per decare.
