Cypriot agricultural unions protest against limited drought relief funding

On October 19, 2026, major Cypriot agricultural organizations, including PEK, EKA, Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki, and Evroagrotikos, voiced strong opposition to the government's decision to allocate only 4.6 million euros in European Union funding for 2025 drought relief.

The organizations argue that this amount is insufficient to address the economic difficulties caused by the year's lack of rainfall and extreme temperatures. They emphasize that the government failed to exercise the option provided by European regulations to supplement the funding by up to 200%. Furthermore, the unions criticize the exclusion of several vital production sectors from the support scheme, specifically citing potato farming, viticulture, fruit production, greenhouse cultivation, and farmers in mountainous and disadvantaged areas. This frustration was previously addressed in a letter to the President of the Republic dated September 25, 2026.

The situation is exacerbated by severe crop damage, with Pitsillia region vine growers reporting losses of up to 85% in certain varieties. Panikos Champas, Secretary General of the Union of Cypriot Farmers, warned that the reduced production will significantly impact local products like wine, Zivania, and traditional snacks. The unions are currently calling for an immediate revision of the funding criteria and an increase in total financial support to include all affected sectors.