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Agriculture Minister announces €109.3 million strategy for primary sector

Cyprus has launched a new strategy for its agricultural sector, aiming at sustainable development, innovation, and economic resilience.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Maria Panayiotou introduced the strategy at a press conference on 10 October, stressing that “it is not just an initiative, but a roadmap reflecting our vision for the future of Cypriot agriculture.”

The strategy, which includes 11 key actions with a budget of €109.3 million, covers the period from 2024 to 2028 and was approved by the Council of Ministers on October 2, 2024.

“Our aim is to establish a new model for the primary sector, ensuring sustainable production, economic support, and access to new technologies,” Panayiotou said. She noted the government’s commitment to providing solid tools and support for farmers, moving beyond emergency measures to a robust, development-oriented approach.

The new strategy aims to increase the contribution of the agricultural sector to Cyprus’ GDP, which currently stands at 1.8%. It will focus on expanding the sector’s capabilities while promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

“We want to ensure the needs of the domestic market are met while promoting Cypriot products in new international markets,” Panayiotou added.

Key elements of the strategy include boosting the professional farming sector through priority measures and scoring systems, water management interventions to combat drought, and the adoption of smart farming technologies. The strategy will also address market gaps by supporting the use of untapped agricultural land and promoting cooperation among producer groups.

Panayiotou emphasised that the new strategy would support the long-term competitiveness of Cyprus’ agricultural sector, focusing on high-quality, affordable products for consumers and fair incomes for farmers.

The actions in the strategy will be funded through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and national resources, with the University of Cyprus’ Economic Research Centre tasked with evaluating its overall impact on the economy. The 11 actions cover areas such as green competitiveness, livestock sector support, new financing tools for agriculture, quality certification for Cypriot products, and risk management in agricultural production.

Tesla Reaches Milestone of Three Million Electric Vehicles Produced

Tesla has achieved a major milestone in its quest to revolutionise the automotive industry, completing the production of three million electric vehicles (EVs) as of October 2024. This achievement underscores the company’s leading role in the global transition towards sustainable energy and electric mobility. Since its founding, Tesla has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive sector, and reaching this production figure cements its status as a dominant force in the rapidly growing EV market.

The three-million-vehicle milestone is particularly significant given the challenges faced by the automotive industry in recent years. Global supply chain disruptions, rising raw material costs, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties have affected production across the board, yet Tesla has not only weathered these storms but has continued to expand its manufacturing capabilities. Its Gigafactories, located across several continents, have played a pivotal role in meeting the rising demand for electric vehicles, positioning the company as a global leader in EV production.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has long touted ambitious growth targets for the company, and this production achievement brings Tesla one step closer to its goal of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. By mass-producing EVs at an unprecedented scale, Tesla has set the standard for what is possible in the industry, creating a ripple effect that has seen traditional automakers shift their focus towards electric mobility. Many of these legacy manufacturers are now investing heavily in EV technology to compete in this increasingly crowded space.

The significance of Tesla’s production milestone goes beyond just numbers. It marks a moment of maturity for the company, which has moved from being seen as a niche, innovative startup to a mainstream automotive giant. The three million vehicles produced span a variety of models, from the original Model S to the more affordable Model 3, the performance-driven Model Y, and the highly anticipated Cybertruck, demonstrating the company’s ability to cater to a wide range of consumers.

However, challenges remain. The EV industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with new entrants and traditional manufacturers alike vying for market share. Tesla’s ability to maintain its leadership will depend not only on its production capacity but also on its continued innovation and ability to meet consumer demands for cost-effective, high-performance electric vehicles.

As Tesla celebrates this milestone, it is clear that the company is not resting on its laurels. With plans to continue expanding its production facilities and introducing new models, Tesla remains at the forefront of the EV revolution, driving the world towards a future powered by clean, renewable energy. The three million EV milestone is a testament to its vision, persistence, and ability to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving industry.

Uri Levine course

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