Paphos viticulturists protest over mildew compensation

Hundreds of viticulturists in the Paphos district held a protest on the morning of Saturday, August 1, 2026, on the Paphos-Polis Chrysochous road near Tsada. The demonstration, which included a brief, peaceful blockage of traffic monitored by police, was organized to voice opposition to the government's handling of the downy mildew (peronosporos) outbreak that has severely impacted this year's harvest.

The core of the dispute lies in the Ministry of Agriculture's decision to limit financial compensation to only two specific grape varieties. Producers and their representatives, including Myros Yiangou and Paphos MPs Chrysanthos Savvidis and Nikoletta Konstantinou, argue that the damage is widespread across all vineyards, not limited to those specific varieties. They claim the current state policy creates an unfair "two-speed" system, leaving many farmers without necessary economic support to recover from one of the most destructive seasons in recent memory.

The protestors demanded a complete re-evaluation of the damage and fair compensation for all affected crops. Paphos EOA president Charalambos Pittokopitis also urged authorities to expedite the registration of damages and provide immediate financial aid. The protest concluded peacefully after one hour, serving as a warning to the state that farmers expect broader coverage for their losses.