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Cyprus Invests €10 Million To Empower Agricultural Sector

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 13, 2024

Cyprus is making a substantial investment of €10 million to bolster its agricultural sector, aiming to modernize and enhance the sustainability of rural economies. This initiative, which provides substantial subsidies to farmers and producers, focuses on critical areas such as infrastructure development, the adoption of innovative and energy-efficient technologies, and the promotion of organic farming practices. The government’s goal is to increase productivity, improve the competitiveness of Cypriot agricultural products, and ensure the long-term viability of the sector.

The program is particularly focused on fostering innovation within the sector. By supporting the adoption of new technologies, such as advanced irrigation systems and precision farming tools, the initiative aims to optimize resource use and increase yields. This technological upgrade is expected to not only boost productivity but also reduce the environmental impact of farming practices, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

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In addition to technological improvements, the investment also seeks to support the development of organic farming, which has been identified as a key growth area for Cypriot agriculture. By promoting organic practices, the program aims to meet the rising demand for high-quality, environmentally friendly products both domestically and in international markets. This focus on organic farming is part of a larger trend towards sustainability in agriculture, which is increasingly being recognized as essential for long-term economic and environmental health.

The investment is also designed to support the social fabric of rural areas. By providing financial incentives and support for young farmers, the government hopes to encourage a new generation to enter the agricultural sector, countering the trend of rural depopulation. This is critical for maintaining the vitality of rural communities and ensuring that Cyprus’s agricultural traditions continue to thrive.

Furthermore, this initiative is expected to create a ripple effect across the economy. By enhancing the agricultural sector’s productivity and sustainability, the program will likely lead to increased exports of Cypriot agricultural products, boosting the island’s economy. The government’s strategic focus on agriculture as a key economic driver underscores the sector’s importance to Cyprus’s overall economic development.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.