Cypriot agricultural unions protest against insufficient drought relief funding

On October 19, 2026, major agricultural organizations in Cyprus, including PEK, EKA, Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki, and Euroagrotikos, expressed strong opposition to the government's decision to allocate only 4.6 million euros in EU funds for drought relief. This financial aid is intended to mitigate losses caused by the severe 2025 drought, characterized by a lack of rainfall and extreme heat.

The unions argue that the funding is insufficient and criticize the government for failing to utilize a provision in European regulations that allows for a supplementary increase of up to 200%. Furthermore, they have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the exclusion of key agricultural sectors from the support scheme, specifically potato farming, viticulture, fruit cultivation, open and greenhouse crops, and farmers in mountainous and disadvantaged regions.

Following a formal letter sent to the President of the Republic on September 25, 2026, the organizations are now demanding a revision of the current plan. They are formally requesting an increase in available funding and an expansion of the criteria for beneficiaries to ensure the survival of the affected sectors.