EU calls for aid proposals for Turkish Cypriots

The EU will pay up to 65% of the cost of selected projects to improve hygiene on sheep and goat farms in the Turkish Cypriot areas.

The EU Pilot Rural Development Grant Scheme will give grants of between EUR5.000 and EUR25.000 (approximately 8,500 – 42,500 YTL) for equipment such as milking machines and bulk storage tanks, because use of cold-chain technology in the sheep and goat milk sector will be required in the future to ensure the quality of milk used in cheese production.  Overall, up to EUR500.000 will be available. The grants are financed from the EUR259 million EU aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.

Applications will only be considered from farmers with more than 50 sheep and goats. Priority will be given to younger farmers (up to 40 years old) and those who demonstrate a commitment to the sector and a willingness to improve hygiene on their farm.

Applicants can apply in either Turkish or English, using application forms available on the “EuropeAid” website http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/cgi/frame12.pl  reference code “EuropeAid/126260/C/ACT/CY”. 

The form is accompanied by an explanatory note called the “Guidelines for Grant Applicants”, which provides full details of the grant scheme and how to apply.  Applicants are strongly advised to read these Guidelines before preparing their application.

Additionally, farmers wishing to know more about the scheme and how to apply are invited to information meeting, which will take place at 6pm on Wednesday 21 November at the Saray Hotel.

The Pilot Rural Development Grant Scheme is the first initiative of the European Commission’s overall Rural Development Sector Programme (RDSP), which will be delivered progressively through 2008 and beyond and will include further grant scheme opportunities for rural and community development.  Those schemes will not be limited to dairy hygiene; rather they will cover the full range of activities in the rural economy and will be funded from a budget of approximately € 17 million.

THE RDSP itself is part of the European Union’s EUR259 million Aid Package for the Turkish Cypriot community (Council Regulation (EC) No 389/2006).  Further information on the Aid Package are found on the website of the European Commission DG Enlargement:  http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/turkish_cypriot_community/index_en.htm