Vine growers in Paphos took to the streets on Saturday, demanding compensation for all grape varieties affected by downy mildew, amid growing anger over a government scheme that covers only selected wine-producing grapes.
The protest began at 9am at the entrance to the community of Tsada, where growers accused the state of abandoning the sector during what they described as one of the most severe crises to hit vineyards in recent years.
At the centre of the dispute is a decision by the Ministry of Agriculture to accept damage claims only for the wine grape varieties Mavro, Xynisteri, Maratheftiko and Vasilissa. Growers argue that other varieties have also suffered significant losses and should be included in any compensation scheme.
Growers call for equal treatment
Representing the protesters, Myros Yiangou said the demonstration was intended as a message to the government, criticising the decision to limit compensation to specific varieties affected by downy mildew.
"We request and demand that all varieties be compensated. Vine growers need financial support to cope with the extremely difficult conditions that have been created," he said.
Growers argued that the current approach creates a system of "two-tier" producers, with some receiving support while others facing similar losses remain excluded.
Claims of widespread damage
One local grower said he cultivates 150 donums of vineyards but will not harvest this year, despite already incurring costs exceeding €10,000.
According to the protesters, officials from the Department of Agriculture visited affected areas and concluded that only four varieties had sustained losses exceeding 50%. Growers reject that assessment, maintaining that other varieties have also suffered extensive, and in some cases complete, crop destruction.
The ministry's decision has prompted strong reactions from producers whose vineyards were affected by downy mildew but do not qualify under the current compensation arrangements.
Agricultural organisations seek review
Panicos Kaponas, district secretary of Panagrotikos Paphos, described the situation as one of total devastation and criticised what he called the exclusion of certain varieties from the compensation process.
He said farming organisations had written to the responsible minister requesting that all grape varieties be included in the scheme.
"There should be no exclusions. Under the current circumstances, the primary sector is facing further shrinkage," he said.
Calls for further inspections
Charalambos Pittokopitis, president of the Paphos District Local Government Organisation (EOA), said the state has a responsibility to support viticulture in the district, arguing that downy mildew has affected vineyards across the province regardless of variety.
He called on the Ministry of Agriculture to carry out a new assessment of vineyards to establish the true extent of the damage.
Mr Pittokopitis said ministry officials had informed him that a further inspection is expected to take place towards the end of August, noting that the disease continues to develop and the relevant period has not yet concluded.
Political support for the protesters
The demonstration was attended by DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvidis, who described the damage caused by downy mildew as widespread.
"Downy mildew does not distinguish between varieties," he said.
DISY MP Nicoletta Constantinou also expressed support for the growers' demands, arguing that many professional vine growers cultivate varieties not covered by the current damage declaration framework.
She called on the government to extend compensation measures to all grape varieties and allow every affected producer to apply for financial assistance.
