European Commission releases agricultural reserve funding to help producers recover from weather-related losses.
Cyprus is set to receive €4.6 million in emergency agricultural support after European Union member states approved a European Commission proposal to release more than €56 million from the EU’s agricultural reserve.
The funding package is intended to assist farmers affected by severe weather events and natural disasters that caused major losses across several member states during 2025 and the first half of 2026. Alongside Cyprus, Portugal will receive €30 million, Romania €14.8 million, Croatia €4.4 million and Slovenia €2.8 million.
According to the European Commission, Cyprus experienced an extended period of drought and exceptionally high temperatures beginning in May 2025. The conditions resulted in significant reductions in crop yields and increased costs for livestock producers due to higher feed prices.
The financial assistance will support a range of agricultural activities, including fruit and nut production, vineyards, olive cultivation, arable farming and mixed livestock operations. Eligible sectors in Cyprus include citrus fruits, bananas, figs, pomegranates, prickly pears, cereals, fodder crops, beekeeping, olive oil production and livestock farming involving cattle, sheep and goats.
EU rules allow the Cypriot government to supplement the allocation with additional national funding worth up to 200 per cent of the EU contribution.
The Commission said adverse weather conditions affected agricultural production in all five beneficiary countries. Portugal suffered damage from Storm Kristin in early 2026, with heavy rain, strong winds and flooding affecting farmland and agricultural infrastructure. Romania recorded severe drought and repeated heatwaves during the summer of 2025, reducing maize and sunflower harvests. Croatia faced a combination of frost, heavy rainfall and drought that damaged crops including fruit, vineyards and sugar beet, while Slovenia’s apple growers were impacted by spring frosts.
National authorities are required to distribute the aid by 28 February 2027 and must ensure payments reach affected farmers without delay.
Following approval by member states, the Commission will formally adopt the measure before it is published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The regulation will take effect the day after publication.
The participating countries must also submit implementation details to the Commission, including payment criteria, expected outcomes, monthly disbursement forecasts, planned national contributions and safeguards designed to avoid overcompensation and market distortions.
Source - https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy
