Cyprus agricultural unions discuss water management and policy reforms with Minister Senekis

On August 26, 2026, representatives of Cypriot agricultural organizations, including PEK and EKA, met with the new Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis, to discuss the critical challenges facing the sector. A primary point of contention was the urgent request for a review of water resource management to allocate necessary supplies to potato farmers, as current allocations from the southern pipeline are reportedly insufficient.

During the discussions, union representatives highlighted the cumulative pressure caused by climate change, severe water scarcity, and the impact of EU policies, such as the green transition and the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Minister Senekis emphasized that these meetings are part of a broader initiative to collect input from producers before formulating new agricultural policies within the EU framework.

Following the initial meeting, the Minister visited the Deryneia Municipal Market on August 29, 2026, to directly consult with producers. Senekis confirmed that the ministry is evaluating the potential to increase water allocations in the near future. The government aims to develop strategic proposals to better support the primary sector and address modern agricultural challenges.