Ministry of Agriculture announces support measures for fishermen

At the 11th Fish Festival in Polis Chrysochous, Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou outlined government initiatives to support the fishing industry. Since 2023, approximately 3 million euros in grants have been disbursed under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Program, resulting in the modernization of 71 vessels. Small-scale coastal fishermen are now eligible for 100% funding without private participation. Current measures include a compensation plan for gear destroyed by dolphins and an existing scheme for catching pufferfish, which involves increasing the subsidy per kilogram. Additionally, a new support plan for fuel costs, developed with Commissioner Costas Kadis, is currently being drafted to provide retroactive coverage from February through the end of the year. These initiatives are part of a broader government effort to revitalize the primary sector and improve working conditions for fishermen.