Agricultural unions across Cyprus have warned that the primary sector faces a “death blow,” as they launch a massive tractor protest this morning, 18 December, to fight proposed deep cuts to European funding and domestic payment delays.
Leading the charge, the five major unions (PEK, EKA, Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki, and Euroagrotikos) have denounced a planned €86.5 billion reduction in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget. They argue that this “destructive” policy decision would essentially signal the end of agricultural production in Cyprus, which already suffers from the lowest average yields in the Union.
The ‘red lines’ behind the revolt
The mobilisation is part of a pan-European day of action coordinated by Copa-Cogeca, coinciding with a high-stakes EU summit in Brussels. Locally, the agricultural movement has established “ten non-negotiable red lines” against the European Commission’s framework, which they claim would:
- Erode Food Security: By integrating the CAP into a “Common Fund,” the EU would weaken the specific protections and autonomy of the agricultural sector.
- Fuel Bureaucracy: The proposed “Single National Plan” is expected to trigger an administrative nightmare for individual farmers.
- Increase Dependency: Producers warn the new architecture will leave the EU increasingly reliant on third-country imports, abandoning strategic autonomy.
Domestic friction and the ‘Black Christmas’ warning
Beyond the European policy battle, Cypriot producers are striking against what they describe as a “perfect storm” of local crises. Kyriakos Kailas, President of the Pancyprian Grain Producers’ Organisation, warned that without immediate intervention, farmers face a “black Christmas” due to severe delays in area-based subsidies from the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation (CAPO).
In addition to the budget battle, the memorandum being delivered to President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace this morning includes demands for:
- Drought Support: Substantial relief for crops devastated by consecutive years of extreme water scarcity.
- Legislative Fixes: Clarification on the subleasing of Turkish Cypriot and state-owned land to allow younger farmers to access subsidies legally.
- Energy Costs: Expanded electricity subsidies to cover all sectors, including livestock farmers and those using diesel-powered boreholes.
As of 10:00, tractor convoys are currently entering Nicosia from Larnaca and Famagusta. By 10:30, these vehicles are expected to establish a blockade at the Presidential Palace before moving to a prolonged standoff at “Europe House.”
While the Ministry of Agriculture announced a €10.2 million drought aid package yesterday, union leaders have described the move as a “short-term fix” that fails to address the structural collapse of the sector.
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