The government is moving to support the sheep and goat sector. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou told Politis that priorities include maintaining halloumi as a flagship export, protecting its PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and ensuring that all stakeholders remain financially sustainable. She stressed that announced measures and available tools should be fully used by producers.
New calls for funding
Applications opened on Monday for a new investment package with a €60 million budget to support large agricultural projects. At the same time, applications opened for first installation aid for young farmers with a €7.5 million budget.
The Agriculture Department, in cooperation with the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organization (KOAP), launched three interventions under the €60 million measure. These cover investments to modernise farms and improve competitiveness, projects that contribute to environmental protection and animal welfare, and projects for the processing and management of livestock waste. Of the total, €30 million is reserved for establishing farms dedicated to sheep and goat milk.
The interventions target investments in sheep and goat farming and in cattle farming, including infrastructure related to processing and managing livestock by-products and waste.
Young farmers and CAP framework
Also on Monday, applications opened for Intervention A.A.5 under the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) Strategic Plan 2023–2027. The aim is to counter ageing in the farming population by supporting the creation and development of economically viable and competitive holdings run by people entering the primary sector for the first time as heads of holding, with the necessary skills or a plan to acquire them. The application window runs until 30 January 2026.
Grant rates and energy support
Support for young farmers is expected to reach about 65% of eligible costs. Additional funding of up to 80% will be available for installing photovoltaic systems.
According to information from the ministry, discussions are under way with banks to facilitate financing of any remaining amounts farmers may need. The ministry is also consulting the Interior Ministry to simplify planning procedures and permits for farm projects.
Linked aid for dairy small ruminants
On 12 September, applications opened for Intervention A.P 2.1 - Coupled Support for Sheep and Goats (SEA) 2025, aimed at dairy-oriented holdings to provide immediate income support to the livestock sector. The financial envelope for this coupled support is €4,030,000.