Parliamentary agriculture committee holds initial meeting with Minister Maria Panayiotou

During their first meeting following legislative elections, the parliamentary Committee on Agriculture discussed pressing industry concerns with Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou. Lawmakers highlighted issues including the exclusion of seasonal crops from current water allocations, while noting that four golf courses received water permits until September. Other concerns raised included delays in addressing water losses in infrastructure, the impact of foot-and-mouth disease, and compensation timelines for vineyard downy mildew. Minister Panayiotou outlined government reforms, noting that €55 million in compensation has been paid through the Agricultural Production Protection and Insurance Fund since 2023. She announced a €67.5 million investment measure as part of the 2023-2027 Common Agricultural Policy, which includes €7.5 million for new farmers and €29.5 million for sheep and goat farming. Regarding long-term water management, the Minister projected that desalination projects will cover domestic needs by 2027, allowing dam water to be prioritized for agriculture. Additionally, the government updated the Primary Sector Strategy for 2024-2029 and adjusted PDO Halloumi subsidy payments based on actual production.