To resolve problems faced by farmers and producers in Famagusta and Larnaca, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, discussed today with provincial bodies.
A Ministry announcement states that "the Minister visited the Famagusta district and Larnaca with the aim of discussing issues that fall within the Ministry's area of responsibility with local bodies, and resolving issues faced by farmers and producers in the region."
Ms. Panayiotou "accompanied by the Director General of the General Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andreas Grigoriou, and officials of the Ministry, visited the headquarters of the Famagusta District Local Government Organization (DGO), where she met with the President of the Organization, Yiannis Karousos, in the presence of members of parliament from the district, the Mayor of Ayia Napa and Deputy Mayors of Municipal Districts."
During the meeting, "issues related to the management of critical infrastructure, such as water supply, wastewater and rainwater management, as well as the Organization's efforts to limit losses in the region's water supply network were discussed. In the context of her presence at the EOA offices, she also heard about problems faced by farmers and producers in the region."
The Minister stated that "we are here to listen to your problems and provide solutions, assuring that the Ministry's primary goal is the development of the region in a way that respects and protects the environment."
According to the announcement, "during the meeting, it was decided to hold further meetings with relevant Departments of the Ministry, as well as with the bodies involved, in order to investigate in depth the issues raised at the meeting."
The Minister then visited the Famagusta District Agricultural Office, "where she met with the staff, and was informed about the work of the Office. During the meeting, Ms. Panayiotou stressed the importance of cooperation with the staff, requesting the submission of suggestions from frontline people, in order to achieve greater efficiency and improve the operation of the services."
Ms. Panayiotou also visited "the Cyprus Potato Marketing Council in Larnaca, where she participated in the cutting event of the 2025 Vasilopita. The event was held in the presence of the General Secretaries of the Agricultural Organizations as well as members of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture."
Welcoming the Minister of Agriculture, Council President Christos Papapetrou expressed his satisfaction with the decision of the Council of Ministers, which overturned previous decisions that provided for the closure of the Council, it is reported.
For her part, Ms. Panayiotou "referred to the decision of the Council of Ministers on the evolution of the Cyprus Potato Trading Council, a decision that was taken in 2024" and noted that "it is now up to its members to evolve and strengthen the Organization, so that it is given the position it deserves in the agricultural sector and the Cypriot economy."
Source: KYPE