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Investing in Smarter Agriculture: Cyprus Charts a Path Toward a Resilient Primary Sector

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 8, 2025

Advancing a Sustainable, Competitive Future

Cyprus is set to transform its primary sector through an ambitious Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023-2027. With an allocation exceeding €450 million for rural development, this initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to creating a sustainable, future-proof agriculture industry built on smart technologies and precision farming techniques.

Embracing Smart Agriculture in Field Crops

Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou outlined the plan’s core vision during a training session at the University of Cyprus focused on smart agriculture in field crops. In collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens, further training sessions will expand the scope by addressing advanced applications in greenhouse management and livestock farming.

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Precision Farming to Optimize Resources

Minister Panayiotou emphasized that smart agriculture is the sole viable strategy for achieving increased productivity with fewer resources. Amid challenges such as water scarcity, rising production costs, and climate variability, the integration of technologies like remote sensing, GPS, robotics, and drones is pivotal. These innovations enable targeted use of inputs—water, nutrients, and plant protection measures—thus allowing farmers to harness real-time data for optimal decision-making.

Overcoming Challenges Through Innovation

Despite the technological advances already making inroads into agricultural practices, challenges remain. High equipment costs, the prevalence of small, fragmented landholdings, and the need for digital skill development among farmers pose significant hurdles. Nonetheless, the government remains committed to bolstering the agri-food sector by incentivizing research, innovation, and modern farm management practices.

A Strategic Investment in the Future

The strategic plan’s modernization efforts include subsidies for state-of-the-art agro-meteorological stations, smart water meters, robotic weed control systems, and AI-driven plant protection tools. Additionally, an investment package of €67.5 million will support large-scale agricultural projects, with special grants aimed at fostering innovations among young farmers.

Collaboration for a Resilient Sector

Drawing inspiration from leading models such as the Dutch agricultural framework, Cyprus is uniting government, industry, and academia to drive forward a more resilient, efficient, and digitally empowered agricultural sector. By embracing these transformative technologies, the island nation is poised to secure a competitive edge in the global market while ensuring food adequacy and environmental stewardship.

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Sklavenitis Cyprus Sets A New Standard For Employee-Centric Benefits

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 12, 2025

Investing In Human Capital

In a bold move that underscores the growing importance of human capital in today’s business landscape, Sklavenitis Cyprus has taken innovative steps to ensure its workforce is both valued and supported. The supermarket chain has introduced a policy to pay a 14th salary to all employees—including those from Papantoniou Supermarkets—cementing its status as the sole retailer in Cyprus to implement such a comprehensive benefit.

A Significant Investment In People

This initiative is far from symbolic. With an estimated total cost of €2 million, it represents a committed investment in the company’s most valuable asset—its people. By providing an additional salary, Sklavenitis reinforces a culture of inclusivity and fairness, acknowledging every employee’s contribution to its success.

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Robust Benefits For Long-Term Stability

Complementary to the 14th salary, the company has launched a robust benefits program designed to address both financial and personal security. An Automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (ATA) of 12.56 per cent ensures that wages remain aligned with inflation, safeguarding real income stability for its team members.

Comprehensive Health And Life Support

Sklavenitis further enhances employee welfare through access to a Group Life and Health Insurance Plan and a Provident Fund co-funded by the employer. These measures not only provide immediate protection but also empower employees to plan confidently for the future.

Exclusive Perks And Incentives

The company extends its commitment beyond conventional benefits by offering store discounts, a birth allowance, and holiday gift vouchers valued at €100 during both Easter and Christmas. These additional perks enhance employee satisfaction and underline Sklavenitis’ people-first ethos.

A Strategy For Mutual Success

In an industry where employee engagement directly impacts customer satisfaction, Sklavenitis’ comprehensive approach stands out as both a progressive and strategic business decision. By investing in its workforce, the company not only nurtures a supportive workplace but also drives superior corporate performance, setting a new benchmark for responsible employment practices in Cyprus.