Cyprus ministry updates farmers and agricultural holdings registry

The Cypriot Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment has announced the full implementation of the 2026 amending law regarding the Registry of Farmers and Agricultural Holdings. The initiative aims to simplify registration procedures and broaden participation eligibility for farmers. Current data shows that the number of registered persons has increased from 2,407 in 2023 to approximately 7,700 today. The number of professional farmers within the registry also rose from 497 to about 2,000. Minister Maria Panayiotou stated that the registry is now being used as a strategic tool for agricultural policy rather than just a recording mechanism. Registration is currently a prerequisite for accessing state support schemes, including Measure 23 for drought relief, agricultural electricity subsidies, and financial aid for fertilizers and equipment. These changes are intended to facilitate more targeted distribution of support measures to professional farmers.