Cyprus announces state aid for the restoration of abandoned vineyards and agricultural land

The Commissioner for State Aid Control, Stella Michaelidou, has announced a new state aid measure aimed at restoring abandoned vineyards and other agricultural areas in Cyprus. The Department of Agriculture, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, is responsible for the implementation of this policy. Payments to beneficiaries will be managed by the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organization. The primary objectives are to mitigate climate change, improve the viability of farms, and reduce fire risks by clearing flammable biomass. Eligible costs include uprooting old crops, soil preparation, laboratory analysis, fertilization, and the purchase of planting material for indigenous varieties and climate-adapted tree crops. Additionally, the measure subsidizes mechanical weed control methods that avoid the use of herbicides. The program also encourages the long-term maintenance of these plots as part of voluntary agro-environmental commitments.