Presentation of Kolokasios Sotiras in the "Common Agricultural Policy".

KAP1 Georgia, Giorgos Takkas, Kolokassi, Nikos Kougialis

As an example of products funded by the Common Agricultural Policy, Kolokasi Sotira was presented today at a press conference for the launch of the information campaign for the Common Agricultural Policy in Cyprus Circles on earth - KAP for everyone! Invitations and possibilities? for the agricultural economy ”

The presentation was made by the Mayor of Sotira, George Takkas - George Takkas

The press conference was held at the Press Center and the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Nikos Kougialis - Nicos Kouyialis addressed the audience.

Afterwards, the CAP was presented in Cyprus with projects, including the pumpkin, its registration as a PDO, the prospects, the distinctions, as well as the planning of its further promotion.

KAP5 Georgia, Giorgos Takkas, Kolokassi, Nikos Kougialis

Kougialis: Increase of more than 12% in the field of agriculture in the last three years

The latest statistics send an optimistic message about the future of the economy, but also the primary production sector with annual steady growth jumps, said the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Nikos Kougialis in his greeting at the press conference for the start of the campaign for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Cyprus "Land Circles".

He pointed out that while in 2014 the Gross Domestic Product of agriculture amounted to 321 million euros, in 2016 it reached 360 million, ie an increase of more than 12% in just 3 years while employment in the sector was stable.

"These same figures show just as important: In the difficult years of the economic crisis, our primary production sector, agriculture, livestock and fishing, has been a helper and blood donor to other sectors of the economy, offering employment, income and foreign exchange." place, "he said.

He added that today the agricultural sector is on a growth trajectory and the miserable years have passed irreversibly. He also said that the Ministry, in the framework of the Government Policy of President Nikos Anastasiadis, has achieved significant changes in the last four and a half years regarding the development of the agricultural economy and the improvement of the quality of life of the rural residents.

He also said that in these five years the foundations have been laid for the modernization and reconstruction of the agricultural sector, with the vision of promoting a green economy and sustainable development of the agricultural sector, continuing the positive course for even better results with optimal utilization of opportunities and benefits. and with the new CAP 2021 - 2027.

Referring to the challenges of Cypriot agriculture, he said that Cyprus is far from the centers of international markets and farmers cultivate small plots of land, which reduces their bargaining power. At the same time, he said, the country is experiencing the effects of climate change and the phenomenon of astyphilia is affecting rural areas.

Mr. Kougialis referred to the policy he set with the Ministry of Agriculture to turn to quality and said that for this reason they work daily to secure all traditional agricultural and food products of Cyprus as geographical indications "because we really believe that in this way we will create added value to the agricultural products of our place ".

"At the same time, the establishment of agricultural products creates real growth conditions in rural areas as it supports the creation of new small and medium enterprises, creates new jobs and strengthens the incomes of our farmers," he said.

He said that in the register of protected names of origin and protected geographical indications, the Pafitiko sausage and the Sweet Rose of Agros and the Kolokasi Sotiras / Poules Sotiras have been registered for the last four years, while a few days ago they were sent to E. the loundza, the pork loin and the Pitsilias sausage. Regarding the securing of halloumi, he said that the effort is in its final stages and its success will open new horizons in Cypriot agriculture, livestock and cheese-making and will boost the Cypriot economy.

Referring to the "Cycles of the Earth" information campaign, he said it was a reference point in the effort to inform the public about the role and work of the CAP, which is not only beneficial for farmers and agricultural production, but also affects us all, as consumers and as citizens of the European Union ".

KAP2 Georgia, Giorgos Takkas, Kolokassi, Nikos Kougialis

In addition to € 485 million in the period 2014-2020

The CAP is expected to invest in Cyprus in the period 2014-2020 in addition to the 485 million Euros with the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for implementing the body, as mentioned in the presentation of the campaign.

At the same time, the Minister of Agriculture, referring to the Rural Development Program (RDP) 2014-2020, said that they are expected to be utilized through targeted measures, by the end of the period, around € 243,3 million as a total public expenditure, for the benefit of the economy and social whole.

In her presentation, campaign manager Stamatia Zisiadou said that farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises, farmers and other organizations are benefiting from CAP funding, mainly by supporting income through the direct payment system, funding through joint support measures provided by the Community. and funding under the Rural Development Program.

The Rural Development Program finances actions for modernization of agricultural and livestock farms, modernization of processing and marketing units, strengthening of young farmers, participation in quality systems, establishment of groups and organizations of producers, support for organic development of organic and traditional crops, support.

Through the CAP, Cyprus seeks to address significant challenges such as the lack of qualified staff, the lack of young farmers and the need to modernize and create scale units or associations for more and better production and marketing.

The conference presented projects that were successfully funded by the CAP in Cyprus. Specifically, the pear processing unit was presented at the Nashico Cup, which was funded by the Leader program with € 162,166. Also, the Mayor of Sotira, George Takkas, presented the registration of the products Kolokasi and Poulles Sotira, which became the first Cypriot products with a protected designation of origin (PDO). George Gabriel of Aphrodite Delights presented his own patent as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) of Turkish delight and Geroskipou almond candies.

Finally, the scientific collaborator of the campaign Savvas Maliotis presented the program "Fruits in schools", which promotes fruits to primary school students and noted that from 2013 to 2016 the number of students participating in it increased by 32%.

As it was emphasized at the conference, the registration of Cypriot products is of particular importance, however, it must be accompanied by similar actions, especially at the level of producers, so that the registration brings the expected benefits.

KAP2 Georgia, Giorgos Takkas, Kolokassi, Nikos Kougialis KAP3 Georgia, Giorgos Takkas, Kolokassi, Nikos Kougialis KAP6 Georgia, Giorgos Takkas, Kolokassi, Nikos Kougialis KAP7 Georgia, Giorgos Takkas, Kolokassi, Nikos Kougialis KAP8 Georgia, Giorgos Takkas, Kolokassi, Nikos Kougialis

Source: KYPE