By Marinos Pavlikas *
The Pancyprian Group of Potato Producers complains that it is not only the points controlled by the Republic that distribute potatoes. And as if that were not enough, some traders use the cards of Greek Cypriot producers uncontrollably, to "baptize" the potatoes impregnated with illegally pesticides of the occupied as a Greek Cypriot product
The reactions of the potato growers for the trade of potatoes from the occupied ones through the Green Line Regulation are increasing. On the one hand, this year, which was not the best for the producers, and on the other hand, the last challenges of the Turkish Cypriots with the imposition of "duties" on the humanitarian aid sent to the trapped, were factors that contributed to the intensification of the reactions.
Potato growers complained to "Simerini" on Sunday that intermediaries are taking advantage of the lower price of Turkish Cypriot potatoes, creating a regime of unfair competition with potatoes in the free zones, with the result that producers are making low profits. This fact in combination with this year, which was anything but favorable for the cultivation, has led the farmers to a withering regime in view of the spring harvest.
As the President of the Pancyprian Group of Potato Producers, Andreas Karyos, told "S", the weather conditions and the low temperatures that prevailed during this winter delayed the production, with the result that the rooting of the potatoes is delayed and at a time when the competition is very high in terms of exports and especially this year, when all competing potato growing countries had a good harvest.
They "baptize" the potatoes of the occupied e / k
Referring to the issue of potato marketing through the Green Line regulation, the President of the Pancyprian Potato Growers Group stated that this regulation covers traders. Nevertheless, he noted, it is known that the movement of goods and potatoes is done not only from the points controlled by the Republic but also from non-controlled. He added, in fact, the fact that the merchants use the cards of the Greek Cypriot producers uncontrollably, "baptizing" the potatoes of the occupiers as Greek Cypriot.
They are irrigated with illegal pesticides
Farmers also speak strongly about the pesticides used in agricultural products that enter the free areas. As a report by "S" (1/10/2017) showed, the Green Line is perforated, allowing the passage of illegal pesticides from the European Union, which are most often used in agricultural products entering the territory of the Republic.
In fact, the glass overflowed in August 2016, when producers gathered outside a packing plant in Dasaki, Achna, protesting against the import of large quantities of potatoes from the occupied territories.
Parliament demands stricter control
Speaking to "S", MP Kyriakos Hatzigiannis said that the Green Line regulation has been in force since 2004 and since our accession to the European Union, in order to avoid direct trade and, in other words, direct recognition. Beyond that, as Mr. Hatzigiannis stated, it is known that the way the regulation works today has distorted trade and the market. In his turn, the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the Parliament, Andreas Kafkalias, noted that the biggest problem is not the Green Line Regulation but the controls that are done or not done, as he characteristically stated, by the competent authorities.
They promote a Cypriot Product brand
At the same time, the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture is ready to adopt a safety valve regarding the recognition of Cypriot products, promoting the Cyprus Product Label, a bill that is before Parliament and will undoubtedly be a certification of the origin of Cypriot products.
According to the draft law, the placement of the mark in primary sector products and first processing as well as in products that have been registered in the EU is being studied in principle. with a Certificate of Designation of Origin or with a Certified Geographical Indication, such as Kolokasi Sotiras, Loukoumi Geroskipou, Paphitiko Sausage and the Sweet Field Rose. The mark is expected to be issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment in order to gather experience, so that experiences can be collected for its use in products of the secondary sector.
* SIMERINI newspaper of Sunday (22/10/2017)