Overview
The Cyprus Agri-Food Forum 2026 concluded in Nicosia on 5 November, bringing together more than 100 participants from Cyprus and across the European Union to discuss digital innovation, sustainable farming and opportunities for cooperation in the island’s agricultural and food sectors.
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Organised by the Eunite Programme, which is funded by the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, the forum took place from 3 to 5 November 2026 at the Goethe-Institut in Nicosia, alongside field visits to agricultural and food production initiatives across Cyprus.
Held under the theme “Digital Roots – Connecting Farms, Food & Markets,” the second edition brought together farmers, fishers, agri-food businesses, rural entrepreneurs, researchers, advisers, NGOs and community leaders.
The discussions focused on how digital technologies, sustainable agricultural practices and cooperation between the two communities can support the development of more resilient and competitive food systems.
Digital Innovation And Sustainable Agriculture
The first and third days of the forum featured panel discussions and demonstration areas examining the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture and food production in Cyprus.
Topics included digital innovation, climate-smart farming, animal genetics, EU agricultural and digitalisation policies, Green Line trade and community empowerment.
A central theme was the potential for technology and knowledge-sharing to improve agricultural practices and strengthen connections between producers, researchers, businesses and markets.
The discussions also explored the importance of sustainable farming methods in helping agricultural communities respond to changing environmental and economic conditions.
According to the organisers, experts from leading institutions highlighted the role of digital tools, sustainable practices and closer collaboration in supporting long-term development across Cyprus and the EU.
Field Visits Across Cyprus
On 4 November, participants took part in field visits to initiatives involved in innovative and sustainable farming and food production.
The visits provided an opportunity to examine agricultural practices and technologies in operation, complementing the discussions held during the forum’s conference sessions.
The programme was designed to encourage the exchange of knowledge between agricultural producers, businesses, researchers and other professionals working in the sector.
Cooperation Across The Island
Cooperation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities was another important focus of the forum.
Discussions examined how stronger relationships between producers, businesses, researchers and markets could support agricultural development, including opportunities associated with Green Line trade.
The organisers emphasised the importance of collaboration in improving resilience, supporting rural communities and encouraging more inclusive economic development.
Sessions were conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation into Greek and Turkish.
The forum is planned as an annual event until at least 2028, with future editions expected to continue supporting partnerships and EU-funded initiatives in the agri-food sector.
About The Eunite Programme
The Eunite Programme, funded by the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, supports confidence-building and economic development in Cyprus.
Its activities focus on improving public and animal health, strengthening agricultural production, supporting trade across the Green Line and helping Turkish Cypriot businesses participate in the island-wide economy and the EU single market.
The programme operates through three principal areas:
- Eunite: Halloumi/Hellim PDO supports dairy producers in meeting EU food safety and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) requirements. Activities include improvements to production practices, feed quality monitoring and animal husbandry on sheep and goat farms, alongside support for access to EU-registered veterinary medicines for beekeeping.
- Eunite: SME provides grants, training, mentoring and business development assistance to Turkish Cypriot SMEs, startups and entrepreneurs. Its aim is to support compliance with EU standards, digitalisation, competitiveness and access to wider markets.
- Eunite: AgriBusiness supports agriculture, fisheries and rural development through an Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), connecting farmers, advisers, researchers and businesses. Its work covers eight agricultural value chains, including a pilot breeding programme aimed at improving sheep and goat dairy productivity in support of the Halloumi/Hellim PDO scheme.
The Cyprus Agri-Food Forum forms part of the programme’s efforts to encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration between agricultural stakeholders across the island.
Further information is available through the official Eunite Programme website.
