CYPRUS: Efforts continue to deal with fallout from Russian embargo

The Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment is continuing efforts in the direction of the EU and third countries to achieve the greatest possible export of agricultural products and support the producers affected by the Russian embargo, Agriculture Minister Nicos Kouyialis has said.

Kouyialis noted that the Russian embargo on EU produce affected Cyprus, like the rest of Europe, to a significant extent, adding that Cyprus is facing a huge problem with the promotion mainly of citrus fruits and aquaculture products.

He also said that during the last Council of EU Agriculture Ministers, Cyprus demanded measures to support these two sectors, noting that among the requests was strengthening the budget of the plan to promote fruit in schools, which is expected to help other productive groups as well.

The Minister said the measures would be discussed at the next Council at the end of the month.

Furthermore, he pointed out that losses based on last year’s exports to Russia were expected to reach €12 mln, while the losses for the EU amounted to €12 bln.

Kouyialis also noted that efforts would continue to find new markets, at least for citrus fruits, adding that there have been contacts mainly with the United Arab Emirates and Great Britain.