The government is “with and not against the farmers,” assured Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou.
Speaking on the radio station “Trito,” Ms. Panayiotou said that one of the government’s main goals is to increase the contribution of the primary sector to GDP by 1.8%.
She noted, furthermore, that the government is constantly exchanging views with agricultural organizations in order to work together in this effort.
Ms. Panayiotou indicated that there are earmarked funds of 354 million euros, which will be allocated to the primary sector.
Already, she added, four million euros have been provided to support cereal and potato production, 47 million euros for area-based subsidies, and 50 million euros for investments.
She also mentioned the one-time grant of 50,000 euros for all new farmers entering the profession.
Ms. Panayiotou assured that the government will continue to be in touch with agricultural organizations with the aim of resolving the problems of the primary sector.
