Cyprus' Minister of Agriculture Calls for Strengthened Support for CAP and CFP Amid Escalating Challenges

Strategic Insights -

The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, emphasized the need for realism, increased funding, and flexibility in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) during her public interventions at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on September 22, 2025. Panayiotou called for a safeguard of the future of farmers and fishers, who are grappling with climate, economic, and geopolitical pressures, as well as the urgent need to reinforce the CAP and address the insufficient resources allocated to the CFP. The Minister stated that there can be no concessions on funding, income support, or crisis management, and that the long-term viability of the agricultural and fisheries sectors must be safeguarded.

Key Takeaways:

  • 57% of European farmers are over 55 years old, which poses a significant challenge to the sector's long-term viability.
  • The agricultural and fisheries sectors are grappling with climate, economic, and geopolitical pressures.
  • Dr. Maria Panayiotou emphasized the need for realism, increased funding, and flexibility in the CAP and CFP.
  • The Minister stated that there can be no concessions on funding, income support, or crisis management for farmers and fishers.
  • Panayiotou called for a robust, well-funded, two-pillar CAP that addresses the multifunctional nature of agriculture and ensures that farmers receive a clear message about their support.
  • The Minister argued that national co-financing should not exacerbate inequalities among member states.
  • Panayiotou emphasized the need to strengthen crisis management mechanisms and ensure that policy tools account for local needs.
  • The proposed exclusion of retired farmers from support after 2032 is a particular concern for Panayiotou.

Statistics:

  • 57% of European farmers are over 55 years old (Source: Dr. Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment).
  • 12% of EU farmers are under 40 (Source: Dr. Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment).
  • 20 Agriculture Ministers signed a joint letter calling for a robust, well-funded, two-pillar CAP (Source: Dr. Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment).

Sources:

  • Dr. Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on September 22, 2025.