Cypriot farmers protest government funding and crop losses

Cypriot farmers are mobilizing in response to severe agricultural losses caused by extreme weather and fungal diseases. On October 20, 2026, vine growers in the Paphos district are set to protest at the Polemi Community Council to demand compensation for crops damaged by downy mildew. Simultaneously, farmers in the Pitsillia and Troodos regions report an 80-85% loss in 'Mavro' and 'Xynisteri' grape varieties, which threatens the production of wine and traditional products like zivania and soutzouko.

Simultaneously, major agricultural organizations including PEK, EKA, Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki, and Euroagrotikos have denounced the government’s decision to allocate only 4.6 million euros in European Union funds for 2025 drought relief. These groups argue that the government failed to utilize the full scope of EU regulations, which allowed for a 200% increase in funding. They also criticized the exclusion of key sectors such as viticulture, potato cultivation, and greenhouse farming from the support plan.

In an open letter dated October 19, 2026, the Agricultural Labour Party and other representatives proposed nine economic measures, including a 30% reduction in electricity costs and the abolition of excise duty on agricultural fuel to prevent the abandonment of farming in mountainous areas. Organizations have sent letters to President Nikos Christodoulides and continue to call for a dialogue to revise support criteria and increase funding.