EU Farm Commissioner urges Cypriot farmers to seize opportunity of EU rural development money

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Speaking at a press conference in Nicosia today, Franz Fischler, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, stressed the benefits Cyprus is reaping from EU accession. "I fully understand the current difficulties some farmers in Cyprus are facing in adjusting to EU membership. I have seen similar developments when Austria joined the EU ten years ago. But in an increasingly globalised world this adjustment is unavoidable - with or without the EU. The difference lies in the fact that each member of the farm sector of Cyprus can count on strong support from Brussels. Cyprus got a good deal on agriculture during the accession negotiations - generous quotas and rural development allocation plus special derogations regarding aid to deprived areas, beef stocking density and fruit and vegetable withdrawals. It also benefits from the special transition periods and rural development measures provided for all new members," he said.

Commissioner Fischler urged Cypriot farmers to seize the opportunity available under the EU rural development funding. For the years 2004 to 2006, almost € 160 million will be made available for the Rural Development Plan, with an EU contribution of € 75 million. It is worth mentioning that the measure for less favoured areas covers 59.2% of the country and 23,973 agricultural holdings will benefit from this measure. "The support for diversification and agri-environment measures will help safeguard the heritage of the Cypriot countryside by supporting the creation of new employment opportunities in disadvantaged regions, and the sustainable management of natural resources will be essential in the management of Cyprus's fragile ecosystem," Mr. Fischler stressed.

He also underlined the broader benefits of EU membership. "Cyprus now has a permanent place in a proven zone of peace, stability and prosperity. In trade terms it gains easier access to, and new trade openings on an enormous internal EU-market of 450 million consumers without tariff restrictions, export quotas or trade barriers. A great chance for Cyprus considering it exports 54% of its products and 70.5% of its agricultural products to the European Union. Cyprus now has a stronger voice on the international scene in sectors of key interest to Cyprus such as shipping, banking, trade etc. The Cypriot economy and the people of Cyprus benefit from major financial and structural benefits. Between 2004 and 2006, over € 200 million will be made available by the EU for agriculture, structural funds and cohesion funds, to which are added national funds. Over € 300 million in budgetary compensation are also on offer," Mr. Fischler said.

As to the fisheries sector, Commissioner Fischler highlighted the important economic, social and cultural role it plays on this island.

"Our strategy is to attain a competitive and sustainable commercial fishing industry, which is capable of offering the consumers high quality products, can meet the demands of the market, and can successfully face both the European challenge and broader international competition. Additionally, we aim at modernization of the operational structures and creation of employment opportunities. To achieve these goals, the operational programme amounts to € 7.7 million for the period 2004 to 2006, with an EU budget contribution of € 3.4 million.", Mr. Fischler concluded.

More information on the EU agriculture policy:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/index_en.htm

More information on the EU fisheries policy:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/fisheries/policy_en.htm

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